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WILLIAM P. "BUTCHIE" GRADY II

WILLIAM P. "BUTCHIE" GRADY II obituary, Westwood, MA

WILLIAM GRADY Obituary

GRADY, William P. "Butchie" II Of Westwood, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2021, surrounded by his family. He died from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.  Bill Grady was the founder and administrator of the "Opportunity for Change" program for at-risk students at Brookline High School, where he worked from 1977-2006. Previous to that, he worked as a licensed electrician at MIT, MGH, and a private company. He also taught non-traditional occupations for women at the Boston YWCA for two years from 1975-77. He received the Sperber Award for Administrative Leadership from Brandeis University in 2001. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rose H. Grady, a daughter Denise M. Devaney of Westwood, her husband Joseph, and grandchildren Sydney, Joseph, and Patrick; a son Robert W. Grady of Providence, RI and his wife Linnea Carlson; sisters Kathleen Grady and Geraldine McTomney and brother-in-law John McTomney; brother Harry Grady; nieces and nephews Barry DeFranco, Steve McTomney, Robin McTomney, William McTomney, Michael Grady, Lisa McKeon, Michelle Leonard, Jean Burnand, and William Carew; and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents William P. Grady and Geraldine (McGowan) Grady, his sisters Peggy Carew and Verna DeFranco, sister-in-law Joanne Grady, and brother-in-law John Agundez. Visiting Hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., DEDHAM on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 4-8pm. His funeral will take place from the funeral home on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Denis Church, Westwood at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Dedham 781-326-0500

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Bernie Lennon

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Audrey Wong

October 28, 2021

I remember the days in Mr. Grady´s office...it wasn´t where I wanted to be but I needed some sense smacked into me! I hated school, and would´ve failed completely, but OFC saved my life. The program and the caring teachers made me WANT to learn. I felt like I had a family, a cohort of other students who shared a need for change and support. After BHS, I went on to BU to earn my business degree, then my MBA at NEU - all within a cohort-like setting. I now own a business, and thank Mr.Grady for giving me the opportunity to change - I would not be where I am today if it wasn´t for this program, and his tough love for all of us. I am grateful, thankful, and will never forget him. My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Grady not only changed lives but in some way, saved many lives. Thank you, Mr. Grady for the impact you made on my life. We did it! I was finally "out of your hair", in 1999 (ha- ha).

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Nick Rothstein

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Rev. Bob Gray

October 26, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Bill Grady's passing. I ran the Juvenile Probation at Brookline court from 1982 until I retired 2004, Working closely with Bill Grady and sergeant Billy Riley, the juvenile police detective. Bill's dedication to making young people the best that they could possibly be was so outstanding that he and sergeant Riley were the only ones that I allowed to automatically advance a case before the judge when they felt that there was a problem that needed immediate addressing before the court. Bill's mission was to save young lives through accountability, demonstrating love and being there for them. He was one of a kind and the world will miss his spirit. My deepest condolences to Bill's beloved Rose and the entire family.

Jonathan Kleinman

October 25, 2021

Bill Grady was a colleague and mentor to me when I worked at BHS. He was a visionary in his leadership of the Opportunity For Change program and changed the lives of countless young people. He'll always be an inspiration.

Kenneth Persing

October 25, 2021

My condolences on Bill´s death. He was instrumental in trying to keep my son plugged in at BHS in the mid 00´s. I think Bill earned many gray hairs for his efforts, but the long term effects were stellar!

Kevin Plunkett -- Ocean Tides School Providence

October 25, 2021

On Behalf of his new Colleagues - We would like to share our sincere condolences to the Grady Family.. and Mr. Grady's son Robert... and let the family know that the true elements of Mr. Grady's dedication to education and work with all youth is definitely with Robert and his work with our "at-risk youth" in Providence. We are so sorry for your families' loss and if there is anything we can do, please let us know!!

Diana Rodriguez

October 25, 2021

I was a student of his from 95-97 still think of him today. For everything he did for me to make me feel worthy. He went above and beyond for his students. My condolences to his family.

Vena Priestly

October 25, 2021

Mr. Grady saved me! I was in his OFC program. I was a rebellious teen that got pregnant my senior year. He took me in to his program. He had my back but held me responsible at the same time! I graduated with honors and went on to graduating with high honors in collage with (2 kids) he gave me a chance at life and for that I will be forever thankful! I am so sorry for your loss he was an amazing person and leader!

Cheryl Molloy

October 24, 2021

Bill Grady was my softball coach at BHS and later I had the privilege of working with him at OFC at BHS when I was the juvenile detective for BPD. I loved and respected him always a wonderful man so sorry for your loss.

Marilyn (Kelly-Anderson) Cheywynd

October 24, 2021

I was a colleague of Bill's at Brookline High School and have many happy memories of working with him. His students, colleagues, and indeed the whole Brookline community were truly blessed by Bill's personal warmth, humor, generosity, and outstanding work ... he was a gifted educator, dedicated professional, and good friend who will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Bill's family.

Jennifer Hayden

October 24, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Gradys passing. I was in the first class of OFC in 1994. He was such a mentor to us all and touched so many lives. Sending prayers to the family

Susan Stark

October 24, 2021

I am heartbroken to hear this news. I worked for years with Bill at BHS, my most significant years as a teacher was working with Bill in the OFC program. He was such a brilliant compassionate leader. I can't begin to express the profound positive impact he had on the students in OFC and all who worked with him. I sincerely hope your memories of Bill fill you with love. He was truly one of a kind. Rest in Peace Bill.

Dr. Charlie Tracy

October 24, 2021

A wonderful caring man. So sad to hear of his passing.
My best wishes to all of his family.

Stephanie Connelly Ramales

October 24, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of this sad news. Amazing man. Outstanding teacher. A great friend to my Dad and everyone who had the privilege to know him.

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Memorial Events
for WILLIAM GRADY

Oct

27

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

Oct

28

Funeral

9:00 a.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

Oct

28

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Denis Church

Westwood, MA

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Dedham

456 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

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