Love Of Family, Community Inspired Rockland's First County Executive

John T. Grant will always have a place in history as Rockland's first county executive, but as family members and friends gathered at the historic St. Peter's Church in Haverstraw for a funeral Mass for Grant they made it clear his greatest legacy is from his favorite role in life - as "Poppy," the devoted husband, father of six children and grandfather of 15.

More than 400 people took part in the funeral Thursday morning for Grant, who died May 8 at the age of 78. Political and community leaders from his hometown of Haverstraw and throughout Rockland County filled the pews of Grant's longtime parish church and shared memories of Grant and his impact on the county.

However, this final tribute to Grant put the focus on his dedication to his loved ones, with members of his close-knit family sharing stories of the countless hours he spent with them and the many different ways he supported them and cheered them on.

"Poppy never missed a game, even when we played upstate or out of state," said granddaughter Caitlin Grant. "He was our good luck charm. He was all of ours good luck charm."

She recalled that although her grandfather had a quiet, reserved demeanor, he would still allow her to "mess up his hair and shape it into a Mohawk" before games she played in – although "Poppy" would soon take out his comb to put his hair back in place.

Speaking for the family at the funeral, Grant's son, Michael, a member of the Rockland County Legislature, said most the Grant grandchildren were not born yet by the time his father had retired from public office. However, the grandchildren were keenly aware that "Poppy" was an icon of public service in the community and that he cared deeply for the community.

"Now more than ever we appreciate his incredible legacy . . . caring and doing things for the community," said Michael Grant.

For grandson Christopher Grant, "Poppy" was the strongest person he's known.

"He was always cool and quiet," Christopher recalled. 'When he spoke, everyone listened."

Grant was married to the Mary Zippilli Grant for 43 years. Michael Grant said his father had been making even more of an effort to be close with his family to fill the void left by his mother's death.

While John T. Grant of Thiells was elected in 1985 to be Rockland's first county executive, serving two-terms in the office, he had a long history of public service that extends back to his time in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and then his involvement as a founding member of the Young Democrats in Rockland in 1960 – going on to help John F. Kennedy in his successful bid for the presidency.

"He lived his life to be the best he could be. He was even friends with Kennedy," said grandson Ryan Cartee, as he read a poem he dedicated to his "Poppy."

Professionally, Grant was a banker, starting his career with Haverstraw Bank and Trust in 1954 and retiring from the industry in 1985 as assistant vice president at Chemical Bank so he could take on the full-time role of county executive. Until the creation of that post, Rockland's county government was run by the County Legislature and its part-time members.

In 1969, Grant was elected to the first County Legislature, which replaced Rockland's Board of Supervisors. He served in the legislature, including five terms as its chairman, until becoming county executive. He served two terms in that post, losing a bid for a third term to Republican C. Scott Vanderhoef, the current Rockland county executive.

Grant's elected career began in 1963 when he won a seat on the Haverstraw Town Board. Throughout his life, he was involved in many community and civic groups, and remained involved in the community in his retirement.

St. Peter's Church Pastor the Rev. Thomas F. Madden, who officiated at the Thursday's funeral, said Grant drew his inspiration for community service from changes in the Roman Catholic church in the 1960s that encouraged Catholics to take up public service.

"His involvement in the community was extraordinary," said Madden. "The life of people like John Grant gives us encouragement."

Speaking for the Grant family, Michael Grant extended the family's thanks Thursday to friends and members of the community who showed support for his father over the last few months of his life. He also thanked members of United Hospice of Rockland for helping his father and the family.

"We have enjoyed stories people have told us of the help he gave people in banking and in government," said Michael Grant.

The funeral began with a short procession from the nearby T.J. McGowan & Sons funeral home, with a honor guard that included police and volunteer firefighters from David B. Roche Fire Co. in Thiells, of which Grant was a member.

The church was filled with family, friends, community leaders and political leaders – both Democrats and Republicans – as Grant's flag-draped coffin was carried into St. Peter's. As attendees reminisced about Grant, they said humility and willingness to listen were his trademarks.

"His lasting legacy is his decency and his fairness," said Rockland County Sheriff James Kralik, a Republican.

Harold Peterson, a vice president at Provident Bank who was head of county finances during the Grant administration, described Grant as a humble person.

"He could talk with people who disagreed with him and he could work things out," said Peterson.

Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato said Grant's close ties to the community gave him a good sense of the needs of the average Rocklander and he put that understanding to use in setting government policy.

"He brought small town politics to a different level," said Piperato, a Haverstraw Democrat. "He was very much for the blue collar worker. He had his ears to the community and he had his hand on the pulse of the community all the time."

Although Grant's political career was over, Piperato said Grant remained a key figure in the North Rockland Community. "People still very much turned to him for advice," said Piperato.

Rockland political leaders such as current county executive Vanderhoef and County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, D-West Nyack, credit Grant for molding the office of county executive and firmly establishing the position as one of strong leadership and fiscal responsibility. However, they also credit Grant for making the post one that put a focus on the needs of all Rockland County residents.

Linda Watson, an aide to Grant in his administration, recalled he was most proud of steps that would improve the health and safety of Rocklanders, such as the effort he successfully spearheaded to require bicyclists wear safety helmets to reduce injuries from falls.

After the funeral, Grant was buried in St. Peter's Cemetery.