Jeffrey R. Grandy

Jeffrey Ransom Grandy of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Bedford, New York, died peacefully in his sleep on April 12, 2017.

Jeff was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on December 10, 1939, the second of three sons born to the late William F. Grandy and Bonnie Brandt Grandy. Jeff graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and magna cum laude from Yale University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. With a beautiful tenor voice, he sang throughout college and was tapped to be a member of the 1960-61 Whiffenpoofs.

Jeff began his career with First National City Bank (now Citigroup) while serving in the U. S. Army Reserves, and received an MBA from New York University. He spent his professional career at Citibank, where he was a Senior Vice President and led divisions of the bank while working in the U.S., Brazil and England. Jeff was an eternal optimist, taking on the challenges of single fatherhood for several years, the successful merging of two families, and later quadriplegia as the result of a fall in 2003.

Jeff enjoyed a wonderful and loving relationship with his wife, Mary (Partenheimer Gallant) Grandy, since their marriage in 1982. Together, they were devoted parents to their five children and cheerleaders for their grandchildren. With a passion for travel, Jeff and Mary led many adventures for the family in the U.S. and Europe. Throughout their marriage, and particularly after his injury, Jeff drew strength from Mary’s care and support. He was always very grateful for the excellent care and friendship he received from his health aide, Isaac “Paul” Donkor for fourteen years.

Jeff was happiest spending time with his family, playing golf and enjoying the company of old friends.

In retirement, he was active singing with choral groups, writing and maintaining a low golf handicap, while his health permitted. Jeff also devoted time to his favorite organizations including service as a Board member of the Indian River Medical Center Foundation and the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club. In addition to Mary, he is survived by children Jeffrey M. Grandy, Edward (Natalie) B. Grandy, A. Stuart (Sarah) Grandy, Paul (Jennifer) W. Gallant, and Sarah (Rocky) Gallant Kurita, his nine grandchildren, Carter and Reed Gallant, Hailey and Henry Grandy, Marlon and Lyra Grandy and Zander, Kendall and Katherine Kurita, who knew him as “Poppy,” and brothers William (Jeanne) Grandy and Fred (Catherine) Grandy. Jeff’s first marriage to the late Lucy Bent McKinley ended in divorce.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 12 at noon at St. Matthew’s Church, Bedford, New York.

In Jeff’s memory, donations may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078 or the Indian River Medical Center Foundation, 1000 36th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960.