Kenneth Dean Grade, 84, of Harwich passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on April 10, 2022, from health complications.
Born in Passaic, NJ, on Aug. 8, 1937, Kenneth, who was always known as Dean, grew up in Rutherford, NJ, and attended both Rutherford High School (Class of 1954/Class President) and The Citadel (Class of 1958) in Charleston, SC, where he received a B.S in Chemistry.
Dean is survived by his sons Kenneth Grade Jr., of Hampton, NH, Keith Grade and his wife, Donna, of Somerville, NJ, and Duane Grade and his wife, Danae, of Milford, NJ. Dean was preceded in death by his fourth son Paul Grade of Falmouth, ME in 2002. Dean lost his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years, Mary Carol Grade, in 2008. Sadly, Dean lost his second wife, Joanne Estelle Grade, in 2017 after just two years of marriage due to health complications.
Dean is also survived by nine incredible grandchildren: Kenny, Jake, Alex, Connor, Campbell, Devin, Nicole, Janine, and Reace. Dean also has two great grandchildren: Noelle and Maci. Dean was always affectionately known as “Pop Pop.”
Dean’s love of Cape Cod began in 1965 when his family started vacationing in Harwich Port while living in Framingham, MA. Over the years the family also lived in New Jersey, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, California, and Germany. The dream of living on Cape Cod became a reality in 1993 when he and Mary built their year-round home in Harwich Port.
Dean loved God, his family, his friends, and his country. Dean possessed an outgoing, energetic, and uniquely genuine personality that was contagious. He was an amazing husband, father, friend, and ‘host’, as he and Mary truly enjoyed entertaining guests at their home. He will be missed by all who knew him.
After graduation from The Citadel, Dean attended flight school, served as a helicopter pilot in the US Army, attained the rank of Captain and was a Vietnam War Veteran. Following his military service, Dean spent a majority of his professional career with Hoechst, a German based chemical corporation where he was responsible for the company’s premiere global accounts. After moving to Cape Cod, Dean spent a brief time working for New York Life as an Insurance and Financial Representative. In his semi-retirement, Dean discovered a true passion in meeting local business owners and writing heartfelt articles about them, their families, and their talents in the local paper ‘Along Route 28.’ Dean accomplished so much throughout his life; however, his family is what he was most proud of.
Dean was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster, where he enjoyed volunteering for local events and benefits. He was previously a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Trinity in Harwich. Dean also enjoyed his time as a member of the Orleans Coffee Club.
Dean touched the lives of so many people. He was a brilliant man, who was compassionate, kind, and humble. He lived a life of integrity. He was a great leader, a great provider, he had an amazing work ethic that he instilled in his children, and he was a great American. Most importantly, Dean was a faithful and loving son of God.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 4 to 7pm, at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 260 Main St. (Route 28), West Harwich, MA. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 11am, at Our Lady of the Cape, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA. A private burial is planned at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
Dean’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to The Citadel. Kenneth Dean Grade, class of 1958. The link below allows you to choose one, two, or three funds, or split how you prefer the donation be applied by percentage. https://foundation.citadel.edu/DeanGrade58
Posted in: Doane Beal and Ames
Posted on: 2022-04-19
Link to original obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-harwich-ma/k-dean-grade-10704807