Richard (Dick) C. Grinnell

1/28/26

Dick was born July 25, 1927 in Camden, NY to Clifford and Gladys (Miller) Grinnell and raised with his five siblings. Dick left school early and proudly served in the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS Lake Champlain, then returning home at the end of the war meet and marry his sweetheart Wilma (Hamner). They settled in Mottville, NY for over 30 years where they raised three children. While there, Dick was very active in the Mottville Fire Department, including serving as chief and commissioner. Dick was a great outdoorsman and always loved hunting, fishing and camping, especially at "Charlie's Palace," our camp in the Adirondack Mountains.

The next thirty-some years Dick and Wilma moved to Moravia, NY and were semi-retired and traveling, mostly south and west, where it was warmer and where he did a lot of genealogy research. Research which was far beyond the grandkids' family tree school homework - they said they just did not need to know who came over on the May Flower! Through these years Dick and Wilma rarely missed a grandkid's school or college sporting event and were there for all the important family times. They always found time to spend with relatives and friends across the country.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, brothers Donald and Raymond Grinnell, sisters Joyce DeWolfe and Virginia Caldwell along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, along with in-laws. He is survived and sadly missed by Wilma, his beloved wife of 76 years, daughters Sandra Sierzega and Karen Kemblowski and son Gary (Shelagh) Grinnell. Dick also is survived by several deeply loved grand, great and great-great grandchildren who already miss him so very much. He is survived by his sister Shirley Fitzgibbons, in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

In granting Dick's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Dick's name may be made to: Mottville Fire Co., Inc., 4149 Frost Street, P.O. Box 9, Mottville, NY 13119 or Four Town First Aide and Ambulance, P.O. Box 28 Moravia, NY 13118-0028.

To leave condolences please visit www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.