Obituary of Granville Francis Thayer

GRANVILLE “GRANT” FRANCIS THAYER, III, 70, of Cranston passed away on Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov 12th, 2018. Grant was a doting father, a loving son and brother, a skilled craftsman, an avid hunter and fisherman, a lover of both the ocean and boating, a Yankees fan (which was a sore subject for his daughter who works for the Tampa Bay Rays), a Buffett enthusiast, and most certainly always the LIFE of the party! He attended Hope High School in Providence and after graduation he decided to join the United States Navy. Prior to getting married, Grant was the Duckpin Bowling Champion for the state of Rhode Island in 1969, touting a winning average of 133. In 1970 he married Patricia Ann D’Amico of Asponet Drive in Warwick, who he met two years earlier at a Beach Party in Gaspee Point, and together they welcomed their first daughter Kristin Marie in 1971. He relocated to Florida to start his own ceramic tile and marble business with his brother-in-law Dennis, and together they single-handedly installed the lion’s share of tile in what is now known as Tierra Verde. In 1977, Grant and Patricia welcomed their second daughter Jennifer Lyn into the world. During his time in Florida, Grant enjoyed living by the Gulf, frequenting the local lizard lounges, continuing his passion for bowling and frying up an occasional bologna sandwich. He loved to share many a story about hunting and mudslinging at Dixie Hollins’ Ranch, hanging out with his good buddy Vaughn McCarthy, shooting the shit with Dave, Janie and Mike, and frequenting Captain Tony’s in Key West to listen to a guy named Jimmy long before he was simply known as Buffett. Grant resided in St. Petersburg until he returned to Rhode Island in 1982. Since that time, he continued using those hardworking hands to hone his craft and in their final days, he cared for his father, brother and mother until their deaths in 1979, 1997 and 2013 respectively. While in Rhode Island, Grant also spent a great many days laughing with his dear cousin Marie, who was not only a friend but a companion. He is survived by his daughters Kristin (Greg) and Jennifer (David), his grandchildren Joshua and Cameron, and his grand puppies Barney, Bruno and Peanut. Until his final breath, his daughters were truly the apple of his eye. Though we will miss you Dad, we want you to enjoy your “Lovely Cruise” (Buffett 1977), you’ve definitely earned it! We Love You, Jenn and Kris Celebration of Life: Grant’s girls have chosen to celebrate his life at the beach in Matunuck on Sunday morning (informal gathering at Ocean Mist at 10am). We welcome those who loved him to join us. In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made in Grant’s memory to the Raising Down Syndrome Foundation, which benefits the developmentally disabled. This organization has been chosen to honor Grant’s late brother Peter, who had Down Syndrome. Raising Down Syndrome Foundation, PO. Box 610, Ozona, FL 34660