W. Don Grady, 67 of Sun City, Huntley, passed away at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin on Monday, July 14, 2014 following a short illness.
He was born November 13, 1946 in Troy, New York, the son of William Donlin and Martha (Miller) Grady Sr. He graduated from Catholic Central High School, Class of 1964. He attended Siena College in Loudonville, New York and in 1968 received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He served as an officer in the United States Army from 1968 – 1972, including a tour of duty in Vietnam during 1971 & 1972. Don was united in marriage to Suzanne K. Genski on April 11, 1970 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Troy, NY. He was employed with Arthur Andersen for 23 years until 1992, later Waste Management in Oak Brook until 1997 and then Sears Corporation in Hoffman Estates until 2000. Don received his Master’s Degree from Benedictine University in 1993. In 2000 he founded People Centrics, and ran the company at the time of his death. He had been a frequent lecturer / professor at National Louis University from 2007 until the present, and has also served as their Associate Dean of the College of Business and later Director of their online learning program. Don loved computers, online learning and technology. He was very involved in his parishes all his life, leading retreats, serving as a lector at Mass, working on various councils and committees, teaching religious education, and serving in the Knights of Columbus. He also enjoyed writing a regular column for the "Sun Day Paper" in Sun City, Huntley.
He is survived by his wife, Sue of Huntley, his son, Fr. Brian Grady of Crystal Lake, daughter, Jennifer (Matt) Frankowski of Valparaiso, Indiana, his sisters, Mary Lou Riegert and Martha (Ed) Manny both of Troy, New York and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20th at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, July 21st at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the St. Mary, St. Vincent DePaul Society.
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My condolences to Dons family. He was a friend and colleague. He made a difference in this world by his gentle spirit and gracious ways. He was also a brother in arms. Rest in peace brother. Semper Fi.
Juliana and Manfred Krupka
Don was a generous, patient go to person at National Louis. I worked with Don for over 15 years. He will be missed....he is at peace now. Take care.
My condolences to Dons family. He was always smiling. Will truly be missed.
Don was my first boss and was such a great influence to me as a young professional at Andersen. I saw him at the Andersen reunion and he was just as jovial and warm as ever. He will be missed.
God has welcomed Don back home again. May he rest in peace. Commander KofC Assembly 2381
So sorry, Sue, that you and your two children lost a wonderful husband and father. Don was such a nice man--so refined and intelligent. You have the support of your neighbors, family, and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sue, Brian and Jen. Don was my "brother" and we even shared the same birthday, which makes it even more miraculous that we found each other. He always had my back. I will miss him so much. God grant you his peace and strength during this very sad time. Through the darkness, we will be able to see His marvelous light. We are there for you if you need anything. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you all. Rich and Gwen
Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was always such a pleasure to share ideas during Bible study. Don was a great guy.
Don was a great friend to our Office at National Louis University. His patience, good humor, and always willingness to help were so much appreciated by all of us. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you today.
My thoughts are with Dons family, of course. Don and I worked together for many years at NLU. Needless to say this makes me very sad.
Peter and I are heartbroken about the loss of our dear friend, Don. Our deep condolences to Sue, Jen and Brian. My memories of Don go back to 1989 when he offered me a position in his department at Andersen. He was so kind, open and full of life's joy -- I was grateful to work with him. He taught me so much and we enjoyed many a lunch together even after our work together ended. My lasting memory of him will always be his easy and charming smile. Miss you terribly Don!
Don will missed at the 50th CCHS reunion in October.
Our condolences to the family.
Don was a warm and gracious man, one of my favorite people to work with when I was at National-Louis University. He was a listener, a mediator, a peacemaker, a teacher who really wanted to help the next generation. Those are rare qualities, and will be missed. May he rest in God's love. Our prayers are with you.
I have only know Don for a few years, but it was always a joy to talk with him. He will be missed by many! Will continue to pray for him and his family!