Obituary for Edward Donald Gragnano
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Donald Gragnano, 84, of Brielle.
Ed passed away at his home on the morning of April 13th.
He was born on October 28th, 1935 at St. Clair Hospital, Downtown Manhattan. He attended New York City Grammar schools and the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, where he played football.
He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford Campus, Class of 1962, and was President of the Sigma Chi Omega Fraternity there.
After a deployment in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed at bases in Wisconsin and New Mexico, Ed started his career at Olivetti, then Merck Pharmaceuticals, and finally switched industries to work for Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, where he had a long and storied career in Sales and Marketing for more than 30 years.
Ed lived with his family in Westfield during this time, where he was known to throw a “few” great parties. He also served as founder and president of the Stoneleigh Park Homeowners’ Association.
After suffering a stroke in 2003, Ed moved to Brielle with his wife, and enjoyed living on the 11th fairway of his beloved Manasquan River Golf Club, where he had been an avid golfer and member for 40 plus years.
He is survived by his “first wife” of 50 years, Kathryn D. ( Crowley ) Gragnano, Brielle, and their loving children, Joseph A. Gragnano, Son, and, Nicole M. (Gragnano) Behler, Daughter, her husband Jon; as well as his adoring Grand-daughters, Rose and Daphne Behler, all of Spring Lake. He is also survived by his loving niece, Nora Jo (Gragnano) Andersen and her husband William, and their daughter, Sarina of Copiague, NY.
Ed will be sorely missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Barbara
( Crowley ) Frank, of Lake Como, Bill Crowley, of Virginia Beach, VA, Dennis & Sharon Crowley, of East Hanover, Tommy & Virginia Crowley of Spring Lake, and all of their children and grandchildren who knew him fondly, as “Uncle Eddie”.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed’s name can be made to the Brielle First Aid Squad and Police Department.
In recognition of the current health crisis, a memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Saint Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church, Spring Lake.
Ed passed away at his home on the morning of April 13th.
He was born on October 28th, 1935 at St. Clair Hospital, Downtown Manhattan. He attended New York City Grammar schools and the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, where he played football.
He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford Campus, Class of 1962, and was President of the Sigma Chi Omega Fraternity there.
After a deployment in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed at bases in Wisconsin and New Mexico, Ed started his career at Olivetti, then Merck Pharmaceuticals, and finally switched industries to work for Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, where he had a long and storied career in Sales and Marketing for more than 30 years.
Ed lived with his family in Westfield during this time, where he was known to throw a “few” great parties. He also served as founder and president of the Stoneleigh Park Homeowners’ Association.
After suffering a stroke in 2003, Ed moved to Brielle with his wife, and enjoyed living on the 11th fairway of his beloved Manasquan River Golf Club, where he had been an avid golfer and member for 40 plus years.
He is survived by his “first wife” of 50 years, Kathryn D. ( Crowley ) Gragnano, Brielle, and their loving children, Joseph A. Gragnano, Son, and, Nicole M. (Gragnano) Behler, Daughter, her husband Jon; as well as his adoring Grand-daughters, Rose and Daphne Behler, all of Spring Lake. He is also survived by his loving niece, Nora Jo (Gragnano) Andersen and her husband William, and their daughter, Sarina of Copiague, NY.
Ed will be sorely missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Barbara
( Crowley ) Frank, of Lake Como, Bill Crowley, of Virginia Beach, VA, Dennis & Sharon Crowley, of East Hanover, Tommy & Virginia Crowley of Spring Lake, and all of their children and grandchildren who knew him fondly, as “Uncle Eddie”.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed’s name can be made to the Brielle First Aid Squad and Police Department.
In recognition of the current health crisis, a memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Saint Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church, Spring Lake.