R. Wayne Grant

R. Wayne Grant, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Concord, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born on March 19, 1930, in Beverly, Massachusetts, the son of the Reverend E. Milton Grant and Mary Knight Grant. Both of Wayne’s parents came from families of six children, and as a result, Wayne grew up connected to a large and loving circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He maintained deep historical ties to Manchester-by-the-Sea, rooted in the Knight family, a connection he cherished throughout his life.

Wayne spent his childhood in Marshalltown, Iowa; Presque Isle, Maine; and Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from James Rhodes High School.

During his time in Presque Isle, his father served as minister of the Congregational Church. Wayne also spent many summers at the family cottage on Norway Lake in Maine—experiences that helped shape his lifelong love of Maine, nature, and time spent with family.

His faith was nurtured early and remained the cornerstone of his life. In 2015, Wayne attended the 150th anniversary of the church in Presque Isle, where his father was honored and remembered—an experience that was among the most meaningful highlights of Wayne’s life and one he held close to his heart.

A gifted scholar, Wayne received a full scholarship to Yale University and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He served his country with honor as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Wayne married Mary Comey Grant, and together they raised their two children, Scott and Debby, making homes in Rochester, New York; Orchard Park, New York; and Andover, Massachusetts. He built a distinguished career as a finance executive, known for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to service.

Service to others was a defining thread throughout Wayne’s life. He held numerous volunteer and leadership roles, including serving as a board member of the North Essex Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), an organization important to him and his son, Scott. He served as President of Samaritans of Merrimack Valley; as a member and President of the Treasurers’ Club of Boston; and as Board member, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Building Committee of the American Congregational House in Boston. His faith found expression through active involvement at West Parish Church in Andover and Old South Church in Boston, both United Church of Christ congregations.

Wayne found great joy in classical music and treasured the memory of singing Handel’s Messiah with his daughter, Debby. He was an avid traveler, exploring the world extensively and organizing many alumni trips for his Harvard Business School Class of 1957. He also loved swimming and sailing, including Maine schooner voyages, and took special pride in bringing each of his three grandchildren on a schooner cruise aboard the Victory Chimes. 

In 2007, Wayne married Dorothy Huebner, beginning a new chapter filled with companionship and shared adventures. They settled in Topsham, Maine, and spent winters in Hilton Head, South Carolina. In 2017, they moved to Newbury Court in Concord, Massachusetts, where Wayne formed deep friendships, participated in many activities, and faithfully attended church each Sunday.

Above all, Wayne’s faith and family were the great anchors of his life. He lived with humility, gratitude, and a quiet strength rooted in his Christian faith.

Wayne is survived by his son, M. Scott Grant of Branford, Connecticut; his daughter, Deborah Grant Sirois, and her husband, Charles, of Acton, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Matthew Sirois and his wife, Amanda, of Groveland, Massachusetts; Christopher Sirois and his wife, Lauren, of Austin, Texas; and Elizabeth Sirois of Boston, Massachusetts; and by his great-grandson and great-granddaughter, who brought him tremendous joy.He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Anita Grant Saylor, whom he loved dearly. Wayne shared a very special bond with his nieces, Mary Ruth (“Mimi”) and Becky, and his nephew, Grant, as well as many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at Duvall Chapel, Newbury Court, Concord, MA, on March 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Burial will be private in the Knight family plot at Rosedale Cemetery in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by check, payable to the New England Deaconess Association, with “Spiritual Life Fund” written in the memo line, and mailed to 100 Newbury Court, Concord, MA 01742, or to The Samaritans, Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, 430 North Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, in loving memory of Wayne.

The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff of Newbury Court and Rivercrest for their compassionate care, kindness, and support throughout Wayne’s later years.

Wayne’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love—and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742  978-369-3388  www.concordfuneral.com