Gary L. Grinder

1957 - 2018

Gary L. Grinder, 60, of Key Largo, Fla., formerly of Apollo, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in his home. Born Nov. 18, 1957, he was a son of Betty V. (Williamson) Grinder, of Apollo, and the late Frank A. Grinder. Gary was a 1975 graduate of Kiski Area High School, and worked locally for a time at Crawford Construction, and for Motor Coils Manufacturing Company. He more recently was employed for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority as an inspector. Gary was a member of the Sons of American Legion Post 114, in Vandergrift. In Florida, his memberships include the Florida Keys Elks Lodge No. 1872, the Big Pine Key Moose Lodge No. 1585, the Upper Keys VFW Post 10211 and the Reef Riders Motorcycle Club. Gary loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and enjoyed the outdoors, including deep sea fishing and hunting. He liked coming back to Pennsylvania in the spring and fall to go hunting with his brother and dad. Gary liked watching NASCAR and Sprint Car races, and was a championship lawnmower racer. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Edward Grinder. In addition to his mother, Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra Cannazzaro-Grinder, of Key Largo; daughter, Jennifer Grinder, of St. Louis, Mo.; stepdaughter, Morgan (Marty Dalton) Cannazzaro-Taylor, of Michigan; grandchildren, Brandon Taylor, Hailey and Lacey Leach and Devon Grinder; siblings, Debbie Grinder, of Virginia, Sandra (Coyote) Schirato, of Apollo, and Mark (Jodi) Grinder, of Apollo; brother-in-law, Nick Cannazzaro, of Key Largo, Fla.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, some of whom called him "Uncle Si".
A celebration of life tribute service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in the Washington Township VFC Social Hall, 4078 Route 66, Apollo. The family asks for friends to arrive just prior to the celebration of life. Arrangements have been entrusted to the CURRAN-SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., Apollo.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.