Obituary for Patrick H. Grimes
Patrick Henry Grimes, 88, of Yonkers, NY and Tunis Lake, NY, passed away on March 23 after a rich life that was ended by Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in New York City on July 4, 1931 to Irish-born parents Patrick and Beatrice (Cassidy) Grimes, he proudly celebrated his patriotic name and birth date.
Blessed with a lifelong love of learning, he attended Manhattan Preparatory School and Manhattan College, and later did post-graduate work at NYU and William & Mary. Upon his retirement, he studied at SUNY Binghamton and Hartwick College.
After his service in the U.S. Army, he devoted his career to the Grimes family business, which included The Irish Echo Newspaper and Grimes Travel Agency which he ran until his retirement in 1993. In this capacity, he welcomed many Irish immigrants to the U.S. and enabled many travelers to experience the world.
He was a competitive multi-sport athlete with football as his passion. He founded, coached and played on a semi-professional football team, Greystone, out of historic Van Cortlandt Park.
Pat married his sweetheart Arlayne Both on October 27, 1956. Together, they raised a large and loving clan who will carry forward his memory with love of God, country and family.
He was president of The Society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Westchester County and involved in many Irish organizations including the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He presided as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Yonkers in 1986, and the Putnam County parade in Mahopac the following year. He was President of the Irish Travel Agents Association.
Pat held leadership positions with The Kiwanis Club, serving as President of the White Plains Club and District Chairman for Public & Business Affairs for their Northern Westchester Division. To instill a service commitment among teens, he founded The Key Club at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains.
He was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours trout fishing and hiking from his home base in The Catskills, where he helped establish the Bob Dwyer Fishing Club. He was President of the Daniel Grey Fishing Club in Armonk NY. He loved our National Parks, and relished his summer wilderness trips in Montana for nearly 30 years. He also enjoyed archaeological digs in Wyoming. Later in life, he served as the Delaware County Historian in NY, sharing his enthusiasm for history with many. He also wrote essays on the great outdoors for various publications.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Arlayne (nee Both). He was preceded in death by their daughters Mary Theresa and Theresa Ann. His legacy will live on through their four living children: Suzanne, with her husband David Jeffries, and grandchildren John and Matthew; Patrick J., with his wife Stephanie (Flanagan) and grandchildren Catherine, Caroline, Patrick A., and Liam; Kathleen with grandchild Lillian; Kevin with his wife Yvonne (Gauci) and grandchildren, Brian and his wife Sarah (Gervasi), Elizabeth, Emily, Meghan, and Dwyer. A celebration of his life will be announced at a future date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Arrangements have been made with the:
Flynn Memorial Home, Inc.
1652 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers NY 10710
914-963-5178
www.flynnmemorialhome.com
Blessed with a lifelong love of learning, he attended Manhattan Preparatory School and Manhattan College, and later did post-graduate work at NYU and William & Mary. Upon his retirement, he studied at SUNY Binghamton and Hartwick College.
After his service in the U.S. Army, he devoted his career to the Grimes family business, which included The Irish Echo Newspaper and Grimes Travel Agency which he ran until his retirement in 1993. In this capacity, he welcomed many Irish immigrants to the U.S. and enabled many travelers to experience the world.
He was a competitive multi-sport athlete with football as his passion. He founded, coached and played on a semi-professional football team, Greystone, out of historic Van Cortlandt Park.
Pat married his sweetheart Arlayne Both on October 27, 1956. Together, they raised a large and loving clan who will carry forward his memory with love of God, country and family.
He was president of The Society of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Westchester County and involved in many Irish organizations including the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He presided as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Yonkers in 1986, and the Putnam County parade in Mahopac the following year. He was President of the Irish Travel Agents Association.
Pat held leadership positions with The Kiwanis Club, serving as President of the White Plains Club and District Chairman for Public & Business Affairs for their Northern Westchester Division. To instill a service commitment among teens, he founded The Key Club at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains.
He was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours trout fishing and hiking from his home base in The Catskills, where he helped establish the Bob Dwyer Fishing Club. He was President of the Daniel Grey Fishing Club in Armonk NY. He loved our National Parks, and relished his summer wilderness trips in Montana for nearly 30 years. He also enjoyed archaeological digs in Wyoming. Later in life, he served as the Delaware County Historian in NY, sharing his enthusiasm for history with many. He also wrote essays on the great outdoors for various publications.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Arlayne (nee Both). He was preceded in death by their daughters Mary Theresa and Theresa Ann. His legacy will live on through their four living children: Suzanne, with her husband David Jeffries, and grandchildren John and Matthew; Patrick J., with his wife Stephanie (Flanagan) and grandchildren Catherine, Caroline, Patrick A., and Liam; Kathleen with grandchild Lillian; Kevin with his wife Yvonne (Gauci) and grandchildren, Brian and his wife Sarah (Gervasi), Elizabeth, Emily, Meghan, and Dwyer. A celebration of his life will be announced at a future date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Arrangements have been made with the:
Flynn Memorial Home, Inc.
1652 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers NY 10710
914-963-5178
www.flynnmemorialhome.com