Senate Resolution No. 161

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Colvin O. Grannum,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Colvin O. Grannum was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Colvin O. Grannum, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Colvin O. Grannum of Brooklyn, New York, died on Tuesday,
May 31, 2022, at the age of 97; and

WHEREAS, Colvin O'Neal Grannum was born on November 14, 1924, in
Barbados, West Indies, the fourth of 11 children to Charles and Mathel
Grannum; and

WHEREAS, Raised in an African Methodist Episcopalian family of
strong faith, as a young man Colvin O. Grannum joined the Pilgrim
Holiness Church in Barbados, where he met Lucille Maloney, who would
become his bride and life partner for 62 years; and

WHEREAS, A skilled craftsman, Colvin O. Grannum came to the United
States after completing a carpentry apprenticeship and temporarily
worked in various factories; he returned to Barbados before officially
immigrating to the United States in 1950, during which time he settled
near family in Boston; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Colvin O. Grannum moved to Brooklyn,
New York, where he and Lucille were united in marriage in 1952; that
same year, the couple purchased a brownstone on Cambridge Place in
Clinton Hill/Bedford Stuyvesant where they raised their three sons; and

WHEREAS, A truly industrious man renowned for his extraordinary work
ethic and physical strength, Colvin O. Grannum worked as a shipbuilder
for Bethlehem Shipyard, Brooklyn Federal Navy Yard, and Philadelphia
Federal Navy Yard in the 1950s and 60s; and

WHEREAS, With the closures of the Navy Yards, Colvin O. Grannum
joined the New York City Transit Authority as a skilled tradesman in the
mid-1960s, and quickly advanced to master mason before retiring 25 years
later; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his illustrious careers with the Naval Yards
and New York City Transit Authority, Colvin O. Grannum served as an
active carpenter and handyman who was often called upon by his friends
and neighbors for small renovation projects, including carpentry,
electrical, and plumbing work, as well as repair projects of every sort;
and


WHEREAS, Moreover, following the example of his parents who owned
their home and land in Barbados, Colvin O. Grannum embarked on a
life-long journey into the world of Brooklyn real estate, acquiring and
renovating distressed properties which he would then rent to
working-class families; and

WHEREAS, After settling his family, Colvin O. Grannum began
assisting his parents and siblings with their immigration to the United
States, and they eventually settled in Boston; annual trips to visit his
parents, siblings, nieces and nephews were special occasions for Colvin,
Lucille, and the boys; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Colvin O.
Grannum joined Beulah Church of the Nazarene in the early 1950s, and
diligently helped the church to grow and prosper, serving in numerous
positions on the Board of Trustees for more than 45 years, including
over three decades as Chairman; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Colvin O. Grannum was a leader in the purchase of both the
St. John's Place sanctuary and church complex, and the Washington Avenue
Community Center; and

WHEREAS, Colvin O. Grannum had a strong constitution and an
unforgettable handshake grip; he did not drink alcohol or smoke, and he
was known throughout the community for moving refrigerators and other
objects seemingly too challenging for a man of his modest but sturdy
size; he loved gospel music and during his final days, found comfort in
singing his favorite songs; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his beloved wife in 2014, Colvin O. Grannum
is survived by his three sons, Colvin W. (Sandra), Jeffrey (Janice), and
Charles; four grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jr., Jenee, Jordan, and Clifton; a
great-grandson, Kameron; future grand-daughter-in-law, Jennie Lorusso;
and a brother, Cameron; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins
and family friends; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Colvin O. Grannum who upheld the
values of community life and who, through their great actions,
epitomized the best of humanity; his insight and strength will forever
serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he
touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Colvin O. Grannum leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Colvin O. Grannum, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Colvin O. Grannum.