Thomas H. "Sonny" Grant

Thomas H. “Sonny” Grant, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at age 86.

Sonny was born in Boston on July 21, 1938. One of six children of the late Horatio and Louise (Walsh) Grant, he was raised and educated in Roxbury and remained proud of his roots throughout life. On April 18, 1957, he married Lorraine Nye and they started a family in Roxbury before moving to Melrose in 1969. Sonny dedicated his working career to the MBTA, first as a bus driver, then coin collector and retired as booth collector in Malden at Oak Grove Station.

Growing up with his six siblings in Boston, strong family values were instilled in Sonny at a young age. His pride in his Irish heritage, his neighborhood, and family were the hallmarks of his life along with a sizeable portion of youthful “only Sonny” exuberance. He was known for his one of kind sense of humor that lightened the mood and brought laughter to all around him. For many parties, he cleared the living room of furniture for singing and dancing to his favorite 1950’s music. Young at heart, Sonny enjoyed life but always prioritized his responsibility to family.

Well known for his sense of humor, he was equally known for his joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He simply could not get enough of spending time with them. Strong willed and stubborn, Sonny was a character and lived his way, but always remained true to his family.

For many years when the family was growing, he enjoyed weekend trips to the camp on Alton Bay in New Hampshire for his favorite activities of boating and swimming. He also loved traveling, especially to Las Vegas, Ireland and Florida.

Sonny will be deeply missed, but the fun loving memories and family bonds established will carry into future generations as his legacy.

Sonny was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine D. (Nye) Grant with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Devoted father of Thomas Grant and his wife Kim of Saugus, Michael Grant and his wife Bridget of Brookline, NH, Sean Grant and his wife Cathy of Saugus, Lisa White and her fiance Daniel Savoie of Wilmington, and the late Linda Day and her surviving husband Greg of Lynn. Dear brother of Joanne Gillis, Maureen Salvage, Cheryl Grant, Michael Grant, and the late Martha Brunick. Cherished grandfather of Andrea Day, Jared Day, Kara Grant, Thomas Grant, Emily Grant, Matthew Grant, Kate Grant, Nicholas White, and Olivia White. Loving great-grandfather of Cameron, Tony, Cora, and Theia.

Family and friends are invited to gather in honor of Sonny’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, February 19 from 4-7pm, and again on Thursday, Feb. 20 for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10am. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.