Services Set For Archbishop Wood Grad Killed In Philly Carjacking

Obituary via Garefino Funeral Home:

It is with great sadness that the family of Gerard Grandzol announces his tragic passing on September 7, 2017. He was born September 19, 1978 in Hamilton Square, New Jersey and grew up in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School in Doylestown, PA and Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in Warminster, PA class of ‘97. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s University Erivan K. Haub School of Business in Philadelphia, PA class of ‘02.

Gerard worked for Special Counsel’s Philadelphia Office since August 2003 often biking to and from work in one of his renowned patterned suits. He was a board member of the Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation (‘07-‘14) and a volunteer for the Young Leaders for the past 3 years.

Gerard was an avid ice hockey player in leagues throughout the Philadelphia region and always ready for a pickup game. He was a natural musician, artist and photographer. He was a connector of people, always there to listen or provide advice and the unofficial neighborhood handyman. Fondly known as the Jort King, he was always good for a laugh or to help out family, friends and neighbors.

His infectious smile and laugh will be missed by all who knew him.

Family and lifelong friends were the most important things in his life. Gerry found his true calling the day he became a husband and a father. His daughters meant the world to him and he loved them fiercely. Gerard will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kristin (nee Smith) and his daughters Violet and Rose. By his grandmother Eleanor (nee Jankowski), his parents Richard and Patricia (nee Dobbins), his siblings Richard (Kimberly), Maureen (Keith) Newberry, Christine (Derek) Schaeffer, Cathleen (Ryan) Meyers, and Teresa Grandzol, his nieces and nephew and many cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am, Wednesday September 13, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th St. & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family's memorial fund.