Robert E. Grady

   Robert E. Grady, age 92, of Manchester, died Thursday, January 19, 2023 at his home after a long illness.

   Mr. Grady was born on November 23, 1930 in Manchester the son of the late Henry J. and Winifred (Macaulay) Grady. He was a graduate of Central High School class of 1948 and then attended Northrop Aeronautical Institute in California where he became a licensed air frame and power mechanic. He married his high school sweetheart E. Marilyn Towle on August 19, 1949 in Goffstown. They were married for 64 years before her death on February 20, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Janet Frost, in 2021 and his brother, John Grady in 2001.

   Robert began with the New Hampshire Air National Guard as a Boeing 377 aircraft mechanic.  Over the next 38 years, he held positions as a flight engineer, instructor, flight examiner, and standardization examiner until his retirement in 1978. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and survived 15 years of flying C-97’s, C-124’s, and C-130’s. Not one to stay idle, Bob then worked for DHL as a courier and fleet maintenance coordinator for over 15 years.

   Bob and Marilyn enjoyed ballroom dancing and going to lake and ocean beaches. They were both very devoted grandparents and great-grandparents, including providing day care for their grandchildren as well as the children of close friends.

   His family includes his three children, Karen Van Der Beken and her husband, David, of Bedford, Robert E. Grady Jr. and his wife, Connie, of Vail, AZ and Douglas B. Grady and his wife, Jane McMahon, of Concord; six grandchildren, Grant Van Der Beken of Bedford, Clark Van Der Beken of Dorchester, MA, Robert E. Grady III of League City, TX, Erin Brown of Tucson, AZ, Kellianne Grady of Dracut, MA and Tyler Grady of Hooksett, nine great-grandchildren, many cousins, nephews and nieces.

   Bob was a mechanic and engineer by training and experience and loved to tinker with motors, appliances and gadgets.  Even after he determined that a broken item had to be replaced, he’d try to repair the old one because it was “too good to throw away.” 

   Several years before Marilyn’s passing, he surprised her by having a “Love Line” published on Valentine’s Day in the Union Leader newspaper.  She was so pleased with his thoughtfulness, he submitted them every year and she reciprocated.  After she passed away, he still continued to publish memorial notes in the newspaper.  He called her Dimples; she called him Mr. Excitement.  They were wonderful role models for their children and grandchildren. 

   SERVICES:  Calling hours will be on Monday (1/23) from 9 to 11 a.m., followed immediately at 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life Service, all at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester.  The Rev. John A. Cerrato Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Calef Road, Manchester.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans Count, c/o Easterseals, 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH 03103.