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June 14, 1989 – June 27, 2013
Grant entered this world with an unrelenting curiosity and a charismatic spirit. These qualities stayed with him as he grew into a young man of integrity and strong moral values. Grant passed away just days after his 24th birthday, having endured a nine month battle with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT). He was being treated in Boston, MA at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Grant was near completion of his college degree from UCONN Storrs, having completed his associate degree in business from Manchester Community College.
Like his Dad, Grant was a sports lover and natural athlete, with a passion for baseball. A true Red Sox fan, his all-time favorite player was Ted Williams. At a young age, Grant’s Dad began bringing him to the local baseball fields to practice hitting and fielding. Following T-Ball, he began his career playing for the ‘Lions’ in the Wethersfield Little League. Over the coming years, his love for playing baseball and the great friendships he developed with his teammates and coaches had great impact on his life. He played short stop and pitcher in The Town’s Senior League, Wethersfield High School’s Baseball Team (’07), the American Legion and Jaycee Courant Leagues. Playing baseball had become part of Grant’s identity.
As an adult, Grant played in the Wethersfield Men’s Softball League, and shared a special bond with his team, ‘Capital Construction’. It was on this team that father and son would play ball together.
Grant openly shared his uplifting spirit and charm with all people. His witty and warm personality, combined with a genuine interest in the well-being of others, yielded an abundance of friendships. To his best and closest friends, he was fiercely loyal. Grant knew how to engage in life and never sat on the ‘side lines’.
Motivating people came easy, as did his thoughtfulness, tolerance, and kindness to others. He had a smile that was contagious, and he brought happiness and joy to others by making them laugh. His comedic timing was spot-on. He had a knack of pulling out a ‘Seinfeld’ quote to fit the moment.
Above all, Grant valued and cherished his family, and was a son and brother who was treasured and adored. He nurtured and treasured his special relationships with his Grandma, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. The holidays were extra special for Grant, who earned the nickname “Mr. Christmas” because of his love for the spirit, traditions and music.
He had quite an affinity for food, especially Mom’s Chicken Cordon Bleu, Grandma’s Macaroni & Cheese and holiday dinners at Auntie Leslie’s.
Somewhere along the way, Grant developed a refined taste in clothing and jewelry. Marshall’s was his favorite place to find designer clothes and discount prices, and he always had luck there. Polo clothes fit him best, and he always looked sharp. Among his many collections was his treasured lineup of sunglasses, including several pairs of Maui Jim and Ray-Ban Aviators.
Grant’s kindness touched and inspired so many people around him. Some people he knew, others he didn’t. We celebrate and honor his life by spreading kindness in our daily lives, one small act at a time, in his memory, and hope to inspire others to do the same.
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Background and Grant’s Way Foundation Mission
The Grant’s Way Foundation has been created in memory of Grant Stanton. Grant passed away in June of 2013 shortly after his 24th birthday after enduring a rare form of cancer. The mission of the Grant’s Way Foundation is to create a physical symbol of Grant’s spirit via enhancing the beauty of Mill Woods Park in Wethersfield, CT. Grant had a special “way” he lived his life – which led to the naming of this foundation in his memory. Grant graduated from Wethersfield High School where he played baseball. He received an associate degree in business from Manchester Community College and was attending the University of Connecticut at Storrs – nearing graduation.
Grant’s Way encompasses his friendly outgoing nature; the way he complimented others; his enthusiasm and passion for sports; the stylish way he dressed; his unique sense of humor; and his passion for good food. In 2012 Grant was diagnosed with a rare tumor called Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor. Treatment began locally and he was treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston – tragically Grant passed away June 27, 2015.
There are many ways we intend to keep Grant’s spirit present through Grant’s Way Foundation. As mentioned, our primary vision is to enhance Mill Woods Park in Wethersfield. We are developing plans to build a walking bridge over a stream between two softball fields in the park. Playing softball was one of his great passions. With this in mind, one of our primary fundraisers is a competitive, fun softball tournament. In addition, we encourage everyone to perform acts of kindness in his memory. Grant’s Way cards have been printed which are used to encourage spreading the magic of love through small acts of kindness. The recipient of the act of kindness is given a card and then instructed to pass the card on to keep the ripple of kindness flowing.
About Grant's Way Foundation
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