Obituary of John Joseph Grant

SPEIGLETOWN - John Joseph Grant, affectionately known as "Big John", 67, of Speigletown, lost his battle with cancer on August 5, 2022, when his Spirit was released from his earthly body, and he now walks free of his mortal bonds side by side with his mother, father, and brother. John was born on April 24, 1955, to Roy and Juanita (Garcia) Grant in Albany, N.Y. In 1974 John met the love of his life Debrah at a friend's get-together when he accidently spilled hot wax on Debrah's new pants. They went on to marry and have two children, Valjohn and Olivia Grant. From 1976-2010 John worked for the State of New York. His favorite assignment was traveling for years with Governor Mario Cuomo and setting up for his press conferences all around the state. John was the definition of love. Anyone who has ever met John would say that he was the kindest person they ever met. Whenever someone spoke to John, he made sure they knew he loved them, and they felt like they were the center of his world for that moment. Being born into a large family he was the third oldest of ten. John looked like his Grandfather Jose Garcia and had the heart and work ethic of his father. John has never met a stranger. Anyone who has ever received a hug from John knew he was a man who loved well. He will be sorely missed by all those he loved. John is survived by his lifelong love Debrah (Bell) Grant and his children Valjohn (Shannon) Grant and Olivia Grant. He also has 2 grandchildren Mercedes (Chris) Grant and Dean Fennelly along with 2 great grandchildren Mesiah and Gabe Hoyt. He is also survived by his siblings Roy Grant Jr., Donna (Harry) Shoemaker, Cynthia (James) Filkins, Marion (Jeff) Spiers, Robert Grant, Richard Grant, Timothy (Patricia) Grant and Tammy (Jamie) Moore along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. John is preceded in death by his parents Roy Douglas Grant Sr., Santos Maria Juanita Garcia, his younger brother Joseph Grant, sisters-in-law Alma (Bell) Lasky, Susan Bell and his father-in-law Alfred Bell. Cremation took place through the care of the Riverview Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Relatives and Friends are invited to pay their respects online, by leaving a special message for the family at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com Memorial Service Pending A memorial service will be held at a later date.