Richard Arthur Grant

Richard Arthur Grant, of Methuen, passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, February 1, 2019. At the time of his passing, he was at home with his loving family at his side.

Dick and his twin brother David, were born in Melrose on January 9, 1941. Dick had been a resident of Methuen for the past 33 years. Prior to that, Dick lived in Andover for many years, graduated from Andover High School, and graduated from Northern Essex Community College. He served honorably for both the U.S Air Force and the U.S Coast Guard.

Dick joined the Methuen Police Department in 1971, where he stood the watch until his retirement in 1994. During his career as a Police Officer, Dick received numerous commendations, including being honored by the Methuen Exchange Club as Policeman of the Year in 1989, and being recognized by the Massachusetts House of Representatives for his outstanding service to his community.

Upon his retirement from the Police Department, Dick was able to indulge his interests in historical reading research, theatre, concerts and proudly watching his grandchildren’s many accomplishments. During his retirement, Dick also became an accomplished amateur genealogist, compiling two family histories: “Some of the Ancestors of the Johnson’s of Wakefield, MA” and “The Grants of Iverk.” Dick’s genealogical research is being continued by his brother, David. While researching his family’s history, Dick uncovered family roots in the American Revolution, and as a result, he and David became proud members of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dick’s other great passion was weight lifting, an activity he pursued from the age of 14. He was, as he like to describe himself, a “cellar rat.” He never joined a gym or health club; rather, he preferred the solitude of training in his basement. He continued to lift weights until the age of 76.

Dick was predeceased by his mother, Pricilla Johnson Wile and his beloved step-father Perry Wile, as well as by his father, Arthur Thomas Grant. He was also predeceased by his sister, Barbara Wile and step-sister, Marilyn Holmes.

Dick leaves behind his beloved wife, Helena Shemel Grant; his twin brother, David and wife, Catherine of Salem, NH; his sisters, Kathleen Wile of Methuen, Patricia Nitto and Janice Long of Haverhill. Dick also leaves his daughters, Jacqueline McLaughlin and husband, Mark of Melvin Village, NH, Sharon Thieret and husband, James of Massillon, OH; as well as sons, Andrew Grant and his wife, Tracy of Colorado Springs, CO, and Matthew Grant and his partner, Kimberly Barnes of Winterville, GA. Additionally, Dick leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dick was a “larger than life” presence, and he will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
The family would like to thank the Merrimack Valley Hospice Team, especially Dick’s nurse, Nancy; social-worker, Robin and Chaplain, Eric for their kindness, compassion and support to both Dick and Helena. A special “thank you” is offered to Dick’s home health aide Yhoanny, who gave so generously of her time to provide such excellent care; as well as to Dick’s Elder Services care manager, Kathy, who made this difficult journey a little easier. Much gratitude goes to those family members, neighbors and friends who held us in their prayers and gave so much of themselves. A heartfelt thank you is especially offered to Joanna Peatfield, N.P and the medical team at Kronos Healthcare for the compassionate home care they provided.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, February 4, 2019, from 1-4PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM in the funeral home following the visiting hours. Memorial donations may be made in Dick’s honor, to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.
For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.cataudellafh.com