Ronald Kenneth Grant

Ronald Kenneth Grant, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 at home in East Longmeadow surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 7, 1941, Ron lived a life marked by dedication to hard work, family, and all that he loved in life. He graduated from Classical High School and attended some college at Bay Path. Alongside his father Jack, Ron helped establish Grant Exterminating, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and astute business acumen. He went on to develop Grant Services Snowplowing, a Line-painting business, and in semi-retirement created Great Eastern Motorcycle Tours, combining his love for adventure with his business expertise.
Ron proudly served in the United States Army Reserve for 27 years, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his country. He continued to serve his community remaining active with the American Legion in Westfield, Post 124, and taking part in many of the veteran associated events in the area. He also generously supported the Westfield Police Department over the years while living in Westfield and was known to make “water rounds” handing out bottles of water to those on road detail around town.
A man of many talents, Ron was known for his great imagination, creative mind, and wonderful sense of humor. He was known for his ability to tell jokes and entertain for hours much to the pleasure of family and friends. Fourth of July parties, family cookouts and events were always made special with Ron’s attention to detail. Ron was passionate about every dog he ever owned and treated them like family, giving birthday cakes, dressing up for Halloween and giving them access to more space on the bed than the humans! He will be truly missed by all.
Ron is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Shirley (Kravitz) Grant of Longmeadow, MA, and a sister, Doreen Orenstein of Florida. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Kerr) of East Longmeadow, his daughter, Lori Calabrese (John) of Enfield, CT, his daughter, Elisa Lazarus of Boca Raton, FL, his son, Christopher Grant (Amy) of Somers, CT, many grandchildren , 3 great grandchildren , additional extended family in the greater Springfield area, and his best friend Joe Ouelette from Maine. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Charlie and Hannah who remained at his side until his passing.
At the request of the family, a private funeral was held at the Ascher Zimmerman Funeral Home followed by a military funeral with honors at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful, dignified care provided by Legacy Lifecare Hospice with a special mention of Beverly, Jojo, and Shanice, and an incredible thank you to Malcolm Lowe for his hours of dedicated service and warm friendship to Ron at the end of his life.
Memorial donations can be made to the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam Massachusetts @ Friends of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 739, Chicopee, MA, 01020 or to the Foundation for TJO Animals (Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Shelter) @ www.tjofoundation.org .