John Grundy, 63, of Ernest Street, Smithfield, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 7th. He was the loving and devoted husband of Mary G. (Deleppo) Grundy. They had been married for 32 years sharing in an extraordinary partnership bringing strength and stability to those around them as well as living with a deep love for each other.
Born in Providence, he was one of 9 siblings and the son of the late John A. and Barbara M. (Kent) Grundy. He was raised in Cumberland where he was part of a big loving family. He attended the University of RI and later moved to Smithfield where he became a beloved and trusted member of the community. Together, he and Mary, a teacher in Smithfield Public Schools, crafted a beautiful, simple life of raising a family, caring for a home, welcoming the gathering of friends and loved ones. John rose every day of his life ready to do a day’s work. He was an accomplished Master Plumber with Baseline Plumbing and Heating where he was a partner with his beloved brother, Thomas. His dependability, trustworthiness and his expertise in his field of work made his services sought out by many. He believed in doing his work and living his life with authenticity and humility.
John was the epitome of a family man. He took immense pride in each member of his family, providing unwavering love and support for those around him. To his children, he gave the gift of time even when time was hard to come by. Ben and Miranda grew up with a dad who was so present, so involved and so ready to guide them in their achievements. His mark on them is everlasting and deep. He will always watch over them and they will hear his whispers in their ears. He also had the loving devotion of his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Sherlock and Levi, who he would walk around the neighborhood daily. The three were such companions, John often referring to them as “my pack”.
He was known by his family and friends as the most hard-working and generous father, a loving husband, a man of integrity, and the most giving sibling one could ask for. While there was nothing John loved more than the comfort of his home in Smithfield, he was able to be pulled out of his comfort zone to travel with Mary to amazing places. Italy, Alaska and most recently, Norway are amongst their cherished travel memories. He loved to tell a joke, and bring a smile to the face of others in the midst of hard times. He loved the outdoors, hiking and fishing. He loved Italian food and a hearty breakfast. He was a huge supporter of a company called Dunkin Donuts. His 19 nieces and nephews will remember him as an attentive and loving uncle, joyfully dressing as Santa Claus during the holiday season and attending their sporting events and later, their weddings.
Growing up he was an avid athlete and member of the 1977 Cumberland High School Championship Cross Country team. He took part in the annual Penguin Plunge in Jamestown for over 12 years. John’s life was devoted to acts of service for his community and church, and he was proud to serve as the Coordinator for the St. Michael’s CYO Basketball team. Friends of John’s children will undoubtedly remember him coaching on the sidelines over the years, never missing a game for the Smithfield youth sports leagues. Always looking for ways to give back, John donated blood on a regular basis for over 38 years to the RI Blood Center.
John is survived by his loving wife Mary, and children, Benjamin M. Grundy and Miranda R. Grundy both of Smithfield, his siblings, Thomas Grundy and his wife Cathy of Smithfield; David Grundy and his wife Susan of Narragansett; Daniel Grundy and his companion Colleen of Indialantic, FL; Barbara Bouchard and her husband Michael of South Kingstown; Patricia Malachowski and her husband Richard of Warwick; and Gail Hagerty of South Kingstown. He was the brother of the late Catherine Grundy and Donna Raymond. He was the brother-in-law of Stephen Raymond. John also leaves behind his many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Friday, January 12th at St. Michael’s Church, Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Cemetery, Johnston. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11th from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Michael’s Church or the church food pantry.