Thomas Vincent Grady

Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) Thomas Vincent Grady, 81, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed peacefully in his sleep on February 8, 2024. Lovingly known as Tom or  “The Mayor,”  he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Tom was born on January 5, 1943, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to parents Jane and John Grady. Raised in an Irish Catholic household, he attended Our Lady Help of Christians School and graduated from historic Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, PA. He continued his Jesuit education at LaSalle University and graduated in 1965.

Tom's love for his country led him to serve in the US Army. He served in Vietnam with the Big Red One where he showed great courage and resilience, captured compellingly in the 2003 David Mariness book, They Marched into Sunlight. For his exceptional service, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, a testament to his bravery and sacrifice. Rising to the rank of Colonel, Tom held multiple commands and leadership roles.

Following his active military service, Tom embarked on a successful career at Merck Pharmaceuticals, retiring as Director of Health and Human Services for Eastern Europe. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the organization, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the company.

Outside of his professional life, Tom had a passion for golf and spent countless hours working on his game at Commonwealth Country Club in Pennsylvania and local courses around Bluffton, SC. He volunteered for many years at the Marine Corps Air Station - Beaufort, providing coaching to enlisted soldiers as they prepared to transition into civilian life. As the self-declared “Mayor” of wherever he lived, he enjoyed building community and made a point of welcoming all new residents. Anyone he met could expect to be given a nickname. A lover of all dogs, he delighted in providing treats to the neighborhood pets as they proceeded on their walks.  His desire to help others was always evident in his service and support for those in need.

Tom had a natural gift for storytelling and his stories and anecdotes always had friends and neighbors laughing. Known for his one-liners, such as, ”You don’t have to be good looking to be looking good,” his grandchildren came to refer to his repeated comments as “Pop-isms”.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary Helen Grady, his loving son T.J. Grady and wife Christine, his beloved daughter Leigh Anne Fraley and husband Mark, his cherished grandchildren Lindsey, Gavin, Bayden, Isaiah & Ben. He is also survived by his sisters Anne Miller and Betsy Grady. Tom was preceded in death by his brother Jake Grady.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held in Sun City, South Carolina, and in the Philadelphia area in the near future. Details of the gatherings will be announced soon, allowing family, friends, and loved ones to come together and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Bluffton Self-Help or K-9s for Warriors. These organizations held a special place in Tom's heart, and contributions made in his honor will continue to support causes that were dear to him.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. His legacy of service and storytelling will endure in the hearts of his loved ones forever. May his memory be a blessing.

Bluffton Self Help
PO Box 2420, Bluffton SC 29910
Web: http://www.blufftonselfhelp.org/donate

K9s for Warriors
Web: https://k9sforwarriors.org/ways-to-support/?gad_source=1