John Albert Grammer Jr.

1935 - 2020

John Albert Grammer, Jr., 85, died at home in Sandisfield, MA after a long illness on December 18 surrounded by family.

Born in Newark, John graduated from Harvard College and Columbia University SIPA. John trained in Arabic at the Army Language School and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany attaining the rank of sergeant. He began his professional life with UNRWA in Beirut, coordinating relief efforts for Palestinian refugees. John then joined First National City Bank (now Citibank) and was sent to Jeddah, Beirut, Manila, Rio de Janeiro and Taipei.

In 1984 John founded Grammer and Co., where he developed and led banking seminars in management, credit and risk analysis around the world. He also loved counseling graduates and peers, alike, who sought his advice. He served on the boards of the Turtle Bay Music School, the Taipei American School and on the vestry of Church of the Holy Apostles. He devoted himself to development projects for Harvard and Columbia.

John is survived by his wife of 34 years Mary Anne (nee Nelson), his son John Lawrence (Lilli); his daughters Katharina (Ricardo) and Julia (Noah), from his first marriage to Ursula Keuler; grandchildren Fabio, Ursula D., Charlotte and Emilie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Church in Great Barrington MA, graceberkshires.org or Berkshire Immigrant Center, berkshireic.org.