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Peter Grandell Obituary
On August 6, Wilmington lost a favorite son, Dr. Peter Angelo Grandell. He was recognized everywhere he went by friends and acquaintances whose lives he had touched. Dr. Grandell was born February 1, 1921 on Tatnall Street on Mrs. Greko's kitchen floor in Wilmington, Delaware. He was the son of Pietro Angelo Grandillo and Carmella Vignola. He attended Wilmington High School and Archmere Academy, matriculating to Mt. Saint Mary's in 1945. His college life was interrupted by his enlistment into the United States Marine Corps, a brotherhood and commitment he treasured his entire life. He graduated from boot camp in Parris Island on Dec 7, 1941. His war years were spent in the Pacific theater: Saipan, Guam, Ie Shima, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Omura, Japan. He served as a Tech Sergeant with Jeep, his 4-pound Chihuahua, who was his War Dog. Pete was honorably discharged on Christmas Day, 1945. He married Kathleen Betty Hoffman on March 16, 1946 and they were married for 65 years.
Pete was part of the Marine Corps League in Wilmington and served as a volunteer for Toys for Tots for decades. Dr. Grandell was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He also served as Vice Commmandant of the Delaware Devil Dog Detachment of the Marine Corps League. After the war, he earned a BS in Education from Mt. St. Mary's College and then an MS in Education from the University of Delaware. In 1984, he was awarded a Doctorate in Education from California Coast University.
In civilian life, Dr. Grandell was a Spanish teacher, football coach and guidance counselor at Wilmington High School over a career that spanned 52 years. Beloved and well respected, the Red Clay District School Board named the Wilmington High School athletic field after Dr. Grandell in his honor for his dedication to the school. He looked forward to his monthly luncheons with lifelong friends and pals. He enjoyed his retirement reminiscing with Wilmington High alumni from the 1950s and also reliving the Wilmington High School Red Devils vs. PS DuPont Dynamiters in the rivalry for the powder keg. According to Dr. Grandell, the rivalry was kept alive by allowing the Dynamiters to win one. Feeling badly, he even scored a touchdown for them.
He was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish attending daily mass and enjoying the company of fellow parishioners for breakfast at McDonald's. There was always a friendly welcome and his table waiting at Cosmos.
He will always be remembered by the poems he wrote in children's books. His military sculptures were presented to many including the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was a member of the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame and the originator and honoree of the Wilmington High School Wall of Fame.
He had a long, wonderful life, and we have been blessed to have him in ours.
Dr. Grandell is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen. He is survived by six children: Kathleen Grandell Reed (Joseph), Kristin Grandell Bright, Peter Grandell (Darnel), Mark Grandell (Kathy), Julianne Grandell Tankersley and Erik Grandell; his grandchildren: Kirsten Wilgers (Rhett), Christine Colihan (James), Carrie Brockell (Rick), Katie Grandell, Amy Grandell, Jack Tankersley, Hannah Grandell, Peter Grandell, Vicki Nepi, (Tony), Pete Lopez, Jack Tankersley; his great grandchildren: Reed and Elyse Wilgers, Ricky and Peyton Brockell, Jared, Ashlynn and Isabella Bunnell, Carina and Sophia Nepi; and his sisters: Ellen Fucella (Daniel), Elsie Truszkowski, (Stan), and Anne Rispoli.
A viewing will be held at the CHARLES P. ARCARO FUNERAL HOME, 2309 Lancaster Ave in Wilmington, on Monday evening, August 10, from 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Church, New Rd in Elsmere, on Tuesday morning, August 11, at 10 am. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. No visitation will be held on Tuesday morning prior to the mass.
The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Corpus Christi Church, 905 New Rd, Elsmere, DE 19805.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Grandell
Charles Shue
August 3, 2021
Pete made learning Spanish fun.
He cared for everyone who entered his classroom, and he always welcomed us with a smile.
Christopher Pipkin
August 3, 2019
Very funny man....great counselor. Always willing to help and put a smile on your face. He is truly missed!!!
sharon parkstone
May 8, 2019
he was a lovely man and great teacher
Robert Hansley
August 30, 2015
My condolences to the Grandell family. He will surely be missed.
c/o 1992
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Bob Collins Class of 69
August 12, 2015
Dr. Grandell set the bar pretty high for all to follow. He was a terrific teacher and even though I never took Spanish he would talk to you took interest in every student at WHS. I was also fortunate enough to talk to Dr. Grandell during a football game at Charter on Pete Grandell Field. I was the referee on a game that he was the honoray captain. He had not lost his sense of humor. Even then he was interested in what I was doing how everything was. What a great example for all to follow. Rest in peace Dr. Grandell.
Dawn Kuser
August 11, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
August 11, 2015
My sincere condolences to the entire Grandell family .
Steve Konetski WHS 1965
LaVerna Selkregg
August 11, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family and esp. Peter and Darnel. He sounded like a great man and sure he will be missed.
August 11, 2015
To the entire family of a great person, Pete Grandell, my deepest sympathy. Jimmie Talmo. Cape May
V-Anne Benning Danielson
August 11, 2015
What an accomplished gentleman. Sincere sympathies to his family especially Peter and Darnel.
Kristy W
August 11, 2015
My condolences to the Grandell family. Dr. Grandell was very special to me- he was one of the reasons I became a School Counselor. Thank you Dr. Grandell for your influence and your ever-present kindness!
August 11, 2015
Sorry to hear about the loss of a friend and fellow Marine. Semper Fi
Gunny Lemke
SHELBY AYERS
August 11, 2015
So sad for the loss of MR.Grandell,
He and his lovely wife was very good and nice to me and my familyfor the time we lived next door to each other.And his daughters and sons were as nice as their Father and Mother,We will always remember themfor their kindness'' Gone but not forgotten.
REST IN PEACE. I AM SO SORRY.
August 10, 2015
Later today I will visit the Auschwitz concentration camp in Cracow, Poland. This is already a very sad day. I share in the sadness of your loss.
Jerry Barsha P. S. '55
Gina Ruberto-Bensinger
August 10, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family. Pete was a great man, an awesome guidance counselor, and great family friend. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Sheila Ayers
August 10, 2015
So very sorry for your loss
"We've known anguish and despair: let peace now be our daily prayer" P.G.
August 10, 2015
I was prviaged to call Pete my friend and I was honored when he presented me with his kneeling Marine sculpture. Semper Fi Marine; carry on at your new duty station
Sgt. JJ Jones,USMC
Holcomb Det. MCL
Nancy Glynn
August 10, 2015
Dr. Peter Grandell was one of the finest men WHS ever had on their staff. The Glynn family has been privileged to know him. He would often pull our oldest son Marty aside at school and show him pictures of his grandfather when he attended WHS. Mr. Grandell also made Marty a sttue of the Han in Hand football player and child when he played in the Blue/Gold Football game in 1996. What a treasure to keep and cherish. To the Grandell Family we send our deepest sympathies. Your Dad was an AWESOME human being, mentor and teacher. RIP Mr. Grandell, you will be missed by many.
August 10, 2015
I showed up on Pete's doorstep one afternoon, several years ago. "Al Shue, come on in" he said. I was on crutches. I had to see him. He had said something on a local TV talk show that was hosted by Andy Ercole, and I had to set the record straight :). Some of you may remember that talk show? At any rate, we conversed for hours as we laughed and reminisced about many things. Pete always put you at ease, whenever or wherever you met him. Before I left him that day, with his dear wife busy in the kitchen and family members I suspect, coming and going the whole while I was there. I asked him, "Pete can I have a word of prayer with and for you, and your beautiful family". He said yes. And so I asked the Lord's blessings and protection on his family. I continue to do so, asking that the Lord will give you, his family, the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give! As I sought the Lord, I was careful to ask Pete if he was placing his personal trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did on Calvary's Cross, having paid off (his, our) sin debt in full through the shedding of His precious blood alone! (Titus 3:5) Pete assured me that he was! I'm looking forward to seeing and being with Pete once again! (II Cor. 5:8) Thank you Lord for that "blessed hope". With heart felt sympathies, Rev. Al Shue and Family
Jim and Joyce archer
August 10, 2015
jimmy and Joyce send our heartfelt prayers to his loving family and friends everywhere. he will truly be missed but always remembered fondly.
KB
August 10, 2015
Rest in Peace!
KB
August 10, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Grandell's family and friends. Dr. Grandell was a wonderful man with a kind soul. May he rest in peace!
August 10, 2015
SEMPER-FI MARINE
RIP
Earl Heston Sgt. USMC 65-69 (Sarasota, Fl)
August 10, 2015
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing!
Sincerely, Gail (Ventresca) Maida
Linda and Stan Emerson
August 10, 2015
Sorry for your loss, Class of 69
August 10, 2015
Uncle Pete,
We love you.
Grace's Family
Rich Vintigni
August 10, 2015
Mr Grandell was the best!!i will never forget him and the life lessons he taught me at WHS!!
Jerry Collins
August 10, 2015
A great influence to the young people that knew him. It was an honor and a privilege to share the football field that bore his name, then his title "U.S. Marine". At ease Marine, your watch is over. Semper Fidelis. My condolences to his family.
John DiEleuterio
August 10, 2015
I am saddened by Mr. Grandell's passing. He was my Spanish teacher at Wilmington High, but more importantly he was my FRIEND. I received lots of personal calls from him at my home just to chat. I think, and I'm sure I was one of his favorites and I was very proud of that. He was easy to talak to and he regalled everyone in stories about his WWII Marine Corps experiences. I will truly miss him even though I didn't see him often, and I will certainly miss our conversations. This was a good and kind man who spread happiness in the lives of many and was always caring and looking out for others. He was a true mentor and friend. I extend my condolences to his entire family.
Maxine DiCamillo Kelly
August 10, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great man. He will be missed.
Janice Bartosh
August 10, 2015
Condolences to the Grandell family. You are in my prayers.
Johnny Snow
August 10, 2015
We would like to take this opportunity to express our condolences to the Grandell family. Mr Grandell had no problem correcting you if he saw you doing wrong. During the early 70s most white men would not do that for young black males. He loved sports so it is no doubt he loved Ricky, Micheal, David and me. Every time I would see him after graduating from WHS in 74 he always had a warm greeting with the 3rd degree about what I was doing now. To the family, may you find comfort in God during your time of sorrow. Our deepest condolences from David and me alone with the entire Snow Clan.
Andrea (Bowhall) New
August 9, 2015
Dr Grandell was a well respected man and will be greatly missed in his community. I am sorry for your loss Julie (Grandell) Tankersley. I will pray for you and your family.
Jay Brady
August 9, 2015
I came to know Pete in the last few years through the PS & Pals monthly luncheons held at Attilios. I was lucky enough to sit next to him and talk during many of these lunches. He was what everyone said about him, he was a wonderful man and touched so many lives in a very positive way. God bless you Pete.
Jay Brady--Salesianum 1961
Susan Bartlett-Reusch - WHS '66
August 9, 2015
Mr. Grandell was a guiding force for many young people at Wilmington High. We were very lucky to have had role models like him. RIP, Mr. Grandell.
Kim C/O 93
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell. You inspired many people. You influenced their lives. You helped so many through rough times and decisions. You will be missed.
Mark & Joan Sandler
August 9, 2015
Kathy and Kristin, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
Joe Vansant
August 9, 2015
Pete Grandell Jr., I enjoyed the time in your classroom. You were an awesome teacher and I have benefitted from that. Sorry for your loss
Susan K. C/o 92
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell was the heart of Wilmington High. He will always be remembered. Condolences to his family.
Bari Poorman
August 9, 2015
I want Pete's kids to know that I had a very nice visit with Pete in early June at the nursing home. I am so glad I was able to visit with. He will be dearly missed by all of us.
Christopher Pipkin
August 9, 2015
Mr. Grandell, I enjoyed seeing your face in the morning while in school and in the halls. You were an outstanding individual and one to be admired. You will most definitely be missed by the Wilmington High alumni.
Tonya Kenney
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell was the BEST educator ever. He will forever be known as "Mr Wilmington High School". May God bless you.
Tonya Kenney, WHS c/o 1989
Alice Sobkow
August 9, 2015
Will be missed by all who knew him. Such a lovely sole sweet man God bless you and keep you.
Mickey Kelley
August 9, 2015
Mr. Grandell was a great friend of my father's, Dave Kelley. Both fought in the Pacific in World War II and active in the Marine Corps League and members of Corpus Christi. Dad talked about Pete all of the time.
Mr. Grandell was also my Spanish teacher my freshman at Wilmington High in 66-70. It was the most fun class I had in high school. We may not have learned much Spanish but we sure did learn a lot about politics and sports. He was loved and will be missed
Mary Beth Querey
August 9, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Grandell...I was not only privileged to know him from school but enjoyed when he joined our family at Mulrooneys for dinner...He was a true sweetheart and will truly be missed. Prayers to the family. It was nice to meet the daughters too . God bless you and your family
Bonnie Ratasiewicz- Neiger
August 9, 2015
Mr. Grandell
You have always been one of my fondest childhood memories.
Running the 50 yd dash out front of the school across the street each nite & you timing us.
And having your famous weekly spaghetti dinners.
Thank you !
You will be missed
God Bless
Joe Gentile
August 9, 2015
I will treasure many fond memories spent with Mr. Grandell and the Grandell family. My deepest condolences to Kathy, Tina, Pete, Mark, Julie and Tic. Your father was truly a remarkable man. My God's healing love be with you.
Jerry Ringler
August 9, 2015
To the entire Grandell family, I am very sorry for your loss. Dr Pete was a special kind of person, and will be missed by MANY! WHS 1951-1953
Rosely DiPiero Robinson
August 9, 2015
My condolences to the Grandell family, Dr. Grandell was my favorite teacher, he will be remembered always. SEMPER FI, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SIR....I am out of town until September 15 and can not attend the services.
Sharon Bonk Celli
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell will be truly missed by all. He helped and inspired so many people through his life. I know the many students at WHS will miss him. I came to know Dr. Grandell in my 4 years at WHS and also working with there. (1973) My prayers are with the Grandell Family.
Ron Swarter
August 9, 2015
What a great man, teacher and fellow parishioner of Corpus Christi. Mr. Grandell also had a great sense of humor. Every time that he greeted me, he always started by saying "didn't I flunk you"?. I will miss him at Mass and my prayers are with the family.
Victoria Hill
August 9, 2015
I am a former student of WHS class of 1971. I was priviiged to visit Dr. Grandell along with Carol Guyer also a former WHS student. I'm so glad that we were blessed to see him before he went home to be with The Lord. My condolences to the Grandell family. Dr. Grandell will truly be missed!
August 9, 2015
Sending prayers for peace & comfort to the Grandell family at this time. Dr. Grandell was one of the nicest people I ever met. His support and encouragement in my high school years were much appreciated. He'll be missed, but never forgotten.
~Sheryl A. C/o '92
Joe Ratasiewicz
August 9, 2015
He was a loyal "Oak Hill Indians" fan and always attended our games to give support; I can still remember him taking us to McDonald's for a hamburger and fries after a game. Great father to a wonderful family. God bless.
Sandra Turoczy-Baron
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell's contribution to his students' lives had a positive and permanent impact. Wilmington will miss him. Sorry I can't be there to honor him. Rest in peace. Pete.
Terri Parton
August 9, 2015
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, and friend. I can only hope in time you will be able to find peace in your heart knowing how many lives your father has touched. I know not a day will pass you will not miss him. But knowing he is in the arms of his creator and with loved ones I hope will comfort you and your family.
Sandy Turoczy-Baron
August 9, 2015
Dr. Grandell was loved by all of his students at WHS. He made a valuable contribution to our world. Wilmington will miss him.
Jack Ciancio
August 9, 2015
Rest in peace ...old friend and thank you for your service to our country
August 9, 2015
I am out of town and will not be able to attend the services. For sixty years, Coach Grandell has been a Mentor & a Good Friend. I will miss him.
Jim Brown
Marvin Berman
August 9, 2015
WHS Class of "51"
Joe Harris
August 9, 2015
R.I.P. Pete, Thanks for all your help at WHS. PEACE
Debbie Smulski-Passwater
August 9, 2015
To the entire Grandell family, I am very sorry for your loss.
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