Dana Edmund Grady Jr.

Dana Edmund Grady II, of Sand Key, FL, passed through the gates of heaven on October 3, 2022 at the age of 97. He only dealt with health issues the past couple months of his life, as Dana died peacefully with his beloved wife Elsie by his side.

Dana was born on October 16, 1924, to mother Evelyn and father Dana Edmund Grady.

Growing up as one of five boys, Dana learned early on to help around the house. Dana was a World War II veteran as he enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and served as a medic in the US Marines. He would spend the next several years working in a hospital assisting a surgeon who performed amputations of limbs, saving lives throughout the Pacific Theatre. Dana was honorably discharged in 1946 and would return home to Buffalo, NY.

Within months of returning home, Dana would set eyes on his soulmate Elsie Haas. It was love at first sight as they would marry in the summer of 1947. They would go on to have three children together.

Dana needed to take care of his young family and would become a debt collector for a loan company. This company took most of his GI Bill money, but through a frugal lifestyle Dana was able to attend Canisius College. After six years of evening classes, Dana graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration – Accounting in 1958. Dana joined Unisys Corporation, as a Financial Analyst within the Sperry Division. By all accounts, Dana would enjoy a successful career with Unisys. After countless promotions and several relocations, Dana retired from Unisys in 1986.

Dana is survived by his wife of 75 years, Elsie Haas Grady, daughter Colleen (Grady) Robinson, seven grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren. Dana was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Dana, brothers William, Richard, Thomas, James and his two sons Danny and Steven.

Dana was a devoted, kind and loving husband to Elsie, and hopeless romantic. She continues to be his utmost concern. Dana enjoyed spending time with his children especially as they became adults and he was able to graciously accept the duties of a grandfather and greatgrandfather.

Dana always had a sunny disposition and one could always be sure of his warm greetings. He had an unbelievably keen wit and wisdom along with a wonderful sense of humor. He always had a kind word, anecdote, or smile to share with friends and strangers alike. Dana was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword and sudoku puzzles. He was always up for a good game of cards or dominos. Leveraging his knack for numbers, and years in corporate accounting roles, Dana was a sound investor. He also took great satisfaction in helping family and friends prepare their annual tax returns. Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Dana was a rabid Bills fan and enjoyed watching all sports.

He was a devoted member of St. Jerome’s Church. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” he served God and his country faithfully, loved his family and friends unconditionally. He was loved immensely and will be truly missed.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Dana’s memory to St Jude Hospital for Children ( https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html). A funeral will be Sunday, October 9th at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Viewing is at 1pm with services beginning at 2pm.