HOPKINTON – Phillip Gradie, 85, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2024, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was the beloved husband of Grace (Giardana) Gradie, to whom he was married for 61 years.

Phillip was born on November 5, 1938, to Joseph V. and Lois (O’Hanlon) Gradie in Arlington, MA. He grew up with four siblings. After graduating from Arlington High School, Phillip enlisted in the United States Air Force.

In 1962, Phillip met Grace Giardina, and they married in 1963. Together, they had four daughters. The family moved to Hopkinton in 1967, where Phillip was a Little League coach for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and proudly a friend of Bill W. for 44 years.

Phillip worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement. After that, he started Gradie Trucking and enjoyed that business for 12 years.

Phillip loved the beach and spent summers in Wells, Maine, with many extended family members. He escaped the cold New England winters by retreating to his home in Hollywood, Florida.

Phillip’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He nurtured a loving and welcoming home for all his immediate and extended family members.

In addition to his wife, Phillip leaves behind his four daughters: Karen Roach, Nancy Gauthier, her husband Michael, Christine McCormick, Allison Cafarella, and her husband John.

His grandchildren also survive him: Kevin Dodd, Ryan Aitken and his wife Michaela, Michael Dodd, Kyle Aitken, Thomas Aitken, Christopher Roach, Joseph Cafarella, Kristen McCormick, Juliana Cafarella, Aiden McCormick, and Jace McCormick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, with whom he cherished spending time.

Phillip was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Joseph Gradie, Maureen Gradie Sanford, Nancy Gradie, and Stephen Gradie; his nephews Stephen Gradie and Joseph Sanford; his granddaughter Faith McCormick; and his son-in-law Steven Aitken.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 4, at 9:00 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Visiting hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, September 3, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made in Phillip’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors.