John Grandal with wife Joanne and children, Alex and Olivia

by Janine Logan

Those who knew John T. Grandal say he was a true old-fashioned family man, extremely dedicated to his wife, Joanne, son Alex, 13, and daughter Olivia, 8, as well as to members of his extended family, friends, and neighbors. That's why on Sunday, October 24, 2004 an Old-Fashioned Sunday Pasta Dinner will be held in his honor and memory at the United Methodist Church, 21 James St. in Babylon.

John Grandal passed away suddenly on May 19, 2004 at the age of 50 while working at a job site in Manhattan. John was an electrician with Local 3.

"He was the type of guy who would drop everything to help neighbors and friends," said Diane Munno, a close friend of the family and neighbor. "We called him the Mayor of Frederick Avenue. He stopped and talked to everyone and always with a smile on his face."

When news of his sudden death first spread, those on Frederick Avenue and friends from other parts of the village were in complete shock and disbelief, said Munno. "We were all in a daze. Grown men were sobbing ... John always made you feel like you were his best friend."

Diane Munno is one member of a committee that formed this past summer to find a way to provide financial and emotional assistance to John's widow and children. After brainstorming a bit, they came up with the idea for a traditional Sunday pasta dinner, just the kind John would have loved. "This fund raiser is about enabling Joanne and her children to remain in Babylon in the house that John completely renovated," said Munno. She recalls Joanne telling her children, shortly after informing them of their father's death, that they would stay in "Daddy's house. We are not going to leave."

John had recently redone his son's room in a hockey theme, complete with a hockey rink motif on the floor. "He was a real creative guy," said Munno.

Although the dinner is completely sold out, Munno and her committee members say there are still ways to participate in this village effort. The Fitness Incentive donated a one-year membership. Raffle tickets are $10 per chance, 3 for $20 and winner need not be present. For those lucky enough to already have a ticket to the dinner, there will be gift basket raffles. Local merchants donated hundreds of items and services to these baskets. Donations to the Grandal Children Fund are also welcome.

"We're hoping that the night of the Pasta Dinner everyone will be generous," said Munno. "Our goal is to keep Joanne and her children in the village ... in the [house that John built]."

Fitness Incentive Raffle Tickets can be purchased by calling Diane Munno at 321-6125. Donations to the Grandal Children Fund can be sent to P.O. Box 815, Babylon, NY 11702.