Obituary of Mark Anthony Grady

Mark Grady of Syracuse, NY died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 18 at Crouse Hospital. He was 73. A lifetime resident of Westvale, he graduated from Bishop Ludden High School in 1970 and subsequently earned an associate's degree from Onondaga Community College. He was appointed to the Syracuse Fire Department in 1973 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1979, serving the city and its residents until his retirement in 2005. Reflecting upon his 32-year career, he was most proud of two things: none of his men were injured and he never played office politics.

Mark was a talented student athlete and continued his life-long love of sports through refereeing high-school basketball and soccer, umpiring baseball and participating in golf leagues sponsored by I.A.F.F. Local 280 and Nibsy's Pub. Other hobbies included following the Yankees and Syracuse University football and basketball, cooking, storytelling and doting on his grandson, George "Guy" Grady, 7, of Boise, Idaho.

He is survived by his wife Georgia, 73, of Syracuse, daughter Meghan, 40, of Mattydale and son, Matthew (Kristen), 43, of Boise. Other surviving family members include two siblings, Michael Grady of The Villages, Fla. and Catherine "Cathy" Murray of Hudson, Fla., along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James Grady, of Spring Hill, Fla. and his sister, Mary Patricia "Patsy" Gridley, of Syracuse.

A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. at Tindall's Funeral Home at 1921 W. Genesee Street. A procession and toast to his memory will be held at the Blarney Stone immediately following the service; all are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Solvay Fire Department or the St. Charles-St. Ann's Parish Food Pantry.