Obituary
Anthony (Tony) F. Grand, age 98, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2017 at the Emory L. Bennett Veteran’s Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, FL. Before entering the home, he was a resident of Edgewater, FL. Tony was predeceased by his wife Jean, brother Stanley Grand, and sister Virginia Petruchik. Tony and Jean had no children, but he leaves many nieces and nephews. Tony was born in Cokebury, PA, but grew up in New York. He served in the U.S. Army at Camp Gordon in FL. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Organization. He went to school for Watch Repair. He worked for Waites Dept. Store in Pontiac, MI and eventually opened a Gift and Jewelry Store in Holly, MI, where he provided services for other Jewelry Stores and Individual Clients. Tony retired in 1980 and he and Jean moved to Edgewater, FL and became involved in the community. Tony was extremely creative; he began using his unique skills to create magnificent Christmas Trees using green and white pipe cleaners. The 10 inch treasures had hand made ornaments and once completed were mounted onto a wooden base, covered by a glass dome, (notably referred to as Christmas Under Glass). No two trees were exactly alike. He won a Blue Ribbon Grand Prize at the Volusia County Fair in Deland, FL for his creations. Some of his trees have been placed on display at the Nursing Home during the Christmas Holidays for the last three years. The residents, staff and visitors were always very complimentary. Sharing his treasures with others gave Tony great joy. Tony was baptized Catholic, but attended and supported The Edgewater United Methodist Church with his friend, companion and caregiver Shirley Vickers and her daughter Susie Anders. There will be a private graveside service in Clarkston, MI at a later date.
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