Howard G. Grant

Howard G. Grant, 75, of Middle Haddam, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, after a long illness, which he fought valiantly, with his devoted wife Kate by his side. His loving family gathered around him during his final days Born on November 11, 1949, in Hebron, Connecticut. Howard was the third of five children and a proud graduate of RHAM High School, Class of 1967, remembered by many as "Tootie". Howard met his wife Kate (nee Katherine Thomas) at a social function hosted at the Hebron American Legion in 1973. Nearly a year later he brought her to meet his grandmother Hazel on Easter evening. In a private moment he brought her to the porch, where he shared his memories of his grandfather Howard Selden, and many family gatherings there. As they watched the sun set over the Connecticut River, he told Kate this was his favorite place on Earth and that someday he would buy this house for her to raise their children there. They married a year later at St Peter's Church, Hebron on a snowy spring evening in April 1975. (They were married 588 months & 15 days) One evening in 1982 Howard came home a little later than usual and told "his bride" that, as promised eight years before, he had arranged to purchase his grandparents' home. They spent many months getting the house into condition, with Howard doing the Lion's share, they finally moved into the house that November. It is where they raised their sons and hosted many cherished family gatherings and entertained friends and his home for 42 years. A United States Marine Corps veteran, he served during the Vietnam War and was honored to share the Marine legacy with his son Trevor. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1974 with a degree in accounting and remained a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and UConn basketball throughout his life. Howard dedicated 38 years of his career to US government service as a forensic accountant, retiring in 2009. He also gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter, youth soccer coach, and active life member American Legion Post 95, serving multiple terms as commander and finance officer. Howie had a wicked sense of humor and lots of charm. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a healthy sense of mischief. He was a devoted husband, and father. His greatest joy and occupation since retirement was being knighted the title of POP by his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Geraldine Grant. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Kate, his sons Glenn (Aspen) & Trevor(Brittany), and their families. He was a proud grandfather of four and each of them brought him so much joy. He was happily anticipating the birth of his third granddaughter. He is survived by sister-in-law Liz Fracchia and brother-in-law Jim Fracchia,who lovingly played an integral part of his care team. He is also survived by siblings Richard Grant, Lloyd Grant, Sherri Grant, and Cindy Day, Art Thomas, David Thomas, and many loving nieces and nephews, and of course, his much adored feline companions 'Busy Bea' and 'Itty Bitty Naughty Kitty' who brought him great comfort and entertainment while he spoiled them rotten. We want to thank his RHAM classmates and lifelong friends for the love and support they have shown to Howard and Kate throughout Howard's illness and continue to do so. We are forever grateful for the excellent care, kindness and support shown to Howard and Kate by the many medical, nursing, rehabilitation and homecare staff of the many agencies and facilities that provided him care. Calling hours and memorial services will be held on Saturday February 1st, 2025, 10 AM to 12PM at Spencer Funeral home in East Hampton, CT, Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life reception and lunch from 12:30 PM to 3:00PM at Terraza Restaurant, Quarry Ridge Golf Course, in Portland, CT. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Howard G. Grant, please visit our floral store.