Francis W. "Frank" Grady, P.E. Print

Francis W. “Frank” Grady, P.E.

 
Retired Lowell City Engineer
 
 Francis W. “Frank” Grady, P.E.,82, the retired City Engineer of Lowell, died peacefully in hospice care at the Palm Center in Chelmsford on July 3rd, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Ann M. (Cooney) Grady who survives him and with whom he celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on April 12th of this year.
 A lifelong resident of Lowell, Frank was the son of the late G. Frank and Elizabeth (Burns) Grady. Residing in the Highlands section of Lowell in his early years, Frank was a member of the first graduating class of the former Saint Margaret’s Grammar School.  He graduated from Keith Academy in 1952 where he was a member of the school’s basketball and golf teams.  He attended Northeastern University, but withdrew after his co-op year to continue working for a Boston engineering company. 
 From 1955 to 1963, Frank worked for several Boston engineering consultant firms as a draftsman and highway and bridge designer before joining the Lowell Engineer’s office.  Under the auspices of the city of Lowell, he continued his education in the evening division of the former Lowell Technological Institute (now the University of Massachusetts-Lowell) where he earned his Associates Degree in Civil Engineering, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Following the death of City Engineer George McDonough in 1986, Frank was appointed to the position of City Engineer by then City Manager B. Joseph Tully, a position in which he served until his retirement in 1998, earning the respect and admiration of all with whom he came in contact.  Upon his retirement, the newly refurbished railroad bridge on Boylston Street was designated as the FRANK W. GRADY BRIDGE to honor his dedicated service to the city of Lowell. 
 An avid reader, Frank held a keen interest in reading anything related to military aviation and the World Wars and amassed an extensive collection of both history and historical fiction novels relating to this subject matter as well as a collection of pre-made scale models of various war planes.  In contrast, he enjoyed listening to the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn, among others.  In his earlier years he enjoyed fresh water fishing and a friendly round of golf, having been a member of the Mount Pleasant Golf Club.
 In addition to his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Frank is survived by a son Frank, Jr. and his wife Amy Pawl of Ladue, MO; two daughters, Annemarie Grady Bell of Londonderry, NH and Martha Abney and her husband Eric of Fremont, NH, eight grandchildren, Katelyn, Joshua and Sarah Bell, Spencer and Emma Grady-Pawl, and Bridget, Emily and Ian Abney.  He is also survived by his two brothers, Charles Grady of Lowell and George Grady and his wife Evelyn, also of Lowell, and his sister-in-law Rosemary (Cooney) Georges and her husband, Paul, of Florida and Maine.  Frank also leaves many nieces and nephews, several cousins and a host of good friends.
 He was predeceased by his sisters Joann (Josephine) Bergeron-Barry, and Mary Elizabeth Grady and his former son-in-law Robert R. Bell, Jr.
 Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Friday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 11 o’clock. Committal Services to follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette St, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.      
Condolences (3)
  • Mary C Brownlie  - Anne and family
    Was so very sorry to read of your husband's passing. Your devotion to him was admirable. His spirit and love will always be with you. God Bless.
  • Rhonda Rockwell  - For Ann, Frank, Annemarie, Martha
    Oh dear, a sad sight. I was a big fan, largely because Big Frank took such pleasure in his family, his work, his wide variety of interests, and was always so kind and hospitable to me. Unforgettable in so many delightful ways. My best love to all of you. Rhonda Rockwell
  • Beth Kelly Oblachinski  - Mr Frank Grady
    Dear Mrs. Grady, Anne Marie , Franky and Martha , So sorry to hear of Mr. Grady's passing ... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. God Bless , Beth Kelly Oblachinski ... Temecula, California
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