Bob Granger, Sr., 62, of West Springfield, passed away peacefully at Brigham and Women’s Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. July 18th was Bob’s special date, when he and the love of his life, Karen (Riviello), celebrated their union together.
Born in Springfield, Bob was the second oldest of five children to his loving mother, Cecelia, and his role-model father, the late Armand P. Granger. Bob is survived by his son Robert Jr. and his daughters Nicole, Danielle and Lauren. He was the proud grandfather of McKenzie, Grayson, Luke (aka “Luca Brasi”) and Ellie. Bob also was predeceased by his son Armand J. Granger. In addition to his love for Karen, his mother, his children and grandchildren, Bob also is survived by his brothers Greg (Leticia), Kevin, Michael (Kate), his sister Christine Dutton (Brian) and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bob was the owner of Bob Granger Quality Remodeling for 40 years and was a master contractor, receiving numerous honors and awards for the work he had done, including Reeds Landing. After retiring from contracting, Bob pursued his life-long passion and dream of being a restauranteur and most recently was the owner of The Grille, running the bar, banquet facility and restaurant at the Country Club of Wilbraham, located at 859 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham.
For any who knew Bob, he was a kind, humble and great man, with a capital “G”. He had many accomplishments, for which others often would take credit and he always said “If they need the glory to fulfill themselves, let them have it. I know the truth and so do others.” Amongst his greatest accomplishments, besides being the greatest dad, nonno, son, brother, friend and loving life partner, Bob was a 4th degree knight at the Knights of Columbus (K of C) on Baldwin Street in East Longmeadow. He spearheaded the monthly scholarship pasta dinner program (which will continue in his honor at The Grille, Wilbraham). He wanted the elderly to have a place to gather, to look forward to once a month, to have a great home-cooked meal at an affordable price, and with all proceeds being donated to area high school students to pursue their college careers and pursue their future endeavors. Over the past decade, Bob’s scholarship pasta dinners raised over $25,000 for area high school students to embark on their college journey. Bob also spearheaded a drive-through meal program at the K of C, with the assistance of other Knights, to provide area senior citizens an opportunity to safely “get out” during COVID and drive up to receive their packaged homemade and prepared meals. Folks would line up their cars hours in advance looking forward to this social opportunity during the difficult time of the pandemic.
Most recently, Bob’s greatest accomplishment was his daily interaction with the staff, country club members, and patrons from the community, while running the daily operations of bar, kitchen and restaurant at 3 Guys at the Grille, located at the Country Club of Wilbraham, which preceded his current restaurant in the same location, now known as The Grille. He looked forward to getting better to return to his dream at The Grille, which was all he ever talked about, and was truly grateful and thankful for his wonderful staff for being so supportive throughout his illness and making his restaurant, bar and banquet facility such a success! In particular, he would like to specially thank Javier, Michelle and “Spitfire” for being great leaders, who worked endlessly in conjunction with him and Karen to maintain the restaurant seamlessly throughout his extended illnessand shall forge forward in his honor.
Finally, Bob would like to thank all of his physicians and caregivers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, Cambridge, MA.
Calling Hours will be held at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street Springfield, from 4-6 pm on Friday, March 7th. Those who wish to congregate at the funeral home for the final blessing, can meet at Tazzini’s at 9:30 am Saturday, March 8th, with procession immediately following to St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, with the Mass of Christian Burian to be celebrated at 11 am. Burial will be private. A celebration of Life will immediately follow at The Grille.
For all that knew Bob, he was known as “Bahama Bob”, so feel free to celebrate his life by wearing a Hawaiian shirt. He was proud that his Hawaiian shirt collection reached 210!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Bob’s honor to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, 1575 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. To share your fondest memories of Bob, visit the funeral home’s website.