Westborough – Robert W. (“Bob”) Grady, 79, of Westborough passed away on February 9, 2022 surrounded by his family. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife Sharrie.
Bob is survived by his cherished grandchildren and their proud parents: Emma and Will O’Hara the children of Bob’s daughter Meg and her husband, Tim O’Hara, Josephine Grady daughter of Bob’s son Mark and his wife, Hui-Ting, Mikayla and Liam Grady the children of Bob’s son Tim and his wife, Tina and Eamon, Aislinn, Cian and Shaelan Gara Grady the children of Bob’s son Rob and their mother, Michele. Bob’s grandchildren affectionately refer to him as their “GrandBob”.
Bob was born and raised in Worcester. His mom, Helen, worked at Holy Cross, his dad, William, an Irish immigrant, was a well-known city alderman. Bob graduated from St. Peter’s High School and was the first member of his family to attend and graduate college. Bob has 3 siblings: Theresa, Mary Jane (deceased) and James (Jimmy).
Bob is also survived by his best friend Patricia “Bunny” Perron, his brothers and sisters-in law, too many nieces and nephews to count, his boating friends and his friends at The Willows in Westborough.
Bob worked for the defense department’s Defense Contract Audit Agency for over 40 years as an auditor and manager. He was involved in the audit of some of the more critical defense systems and equipment developed through the Cold War era.
Bob was a tireless volunteer at every activity his children participated in. He coached baseball, basketball and softball for his children while racking up championships in both Pittsfield and Westborough, MA. Bob also ran the Westborough Babe Ruth program for years and when the numbers in the program dropped he successfully merged the program with Northborough’s.
Bob shared the love of the ocean with his wife Sharrie and together they enjoyed spending time at their summer home on the Cape. He was also an avid and highly skilled boater. He and Sharrie loved exploring the New England coastline on their boat with their daughter, Meg, and anyone else they could convince to join them on their adventures. He was a Commander of the Nobscot Power Squadron, a member of the Duxbury Yacht Club and a very proud member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Bob especially loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed talking with them, entertaining them with his singing and sayings, and he was immensely proud of their accomplishments in the classroom, on the dance floor, behind the piano and on the playing fields. He loved to watch their games, matches, meets and recitals and was amazed at how much more accomplished they were than his own kids! Bob was also very fond of animals and had several very faithful companions; ever the competitor he loved to pester his children that his dogs were better than theirs.
Bob had a number of illnesses that greatly affected his health; not one of those illnesses prevented him from doing the things he loved or dulled his sense of humor. He was a tough as nails Worcester kid, with a sharp wit; however, he was also blessed with a big kind heart and generous soul. He died peacefully having lived a very full life and having made an indelible impression on everyone he met.
Bob’s funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 18, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 17, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Pickering & Son Funeral Westborough Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough, MA.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Bob’s name to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/donate; telephone number: 646.943.7521.
