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905 High Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Grant Donald A. January 21, 1934 - August 29, 2025

Donald D. Grant

January 21, 1934 – August 29, 2025

In the early morning hours of August 29, 2025, Donald D. Grant passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91. He lived an eventful and fulfilling life.

Born in Northern Maine, in the City of Presque Isle, he grew up with an appreciation for everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, skiing, and canoeing were only a few of his interests. Donald attended college at University of Maine, Orono and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education. He later attended Penn State University and Florida Institute of Technology to earn his Master’s in Education.

After graduating University of Maine, he served in the Army Chemical Corps. It was then that he met his wife to be, Bessie. Once married, they moved to Caribou, Maine where he began his career in teaching. Later, they moved to Hackettstown, New Jersey and settled in for the rest of their lives.

Donald taught Chemistry and Physics. He eventually became Head of the Science Department of Hackettstown High School. He was very involved in student sports coaching basketball, baseball, cross country, and golf. He even coached the marching band’s Color Guard for a time. Donald was involved in the National Ski Patrol, Hackettstown Rescue Squad teaching first aid, and the Boy Scouts of America as a Merit Badge Administrator.

He is survived by his son Greg Grant (Lynette Guerino), daughter Donna Grant Pomerantz (Joseph), grandchildren Connor Grant (Taylor), Bryn Grant (Gene Kim), Jeffrey Pomerantz (Michelle), Samuel Pomerantz (Margy), and great-grandson, Oliver Grant.

The family will not be holding any service as per Donald’s request. He did ask that anyone so inclined please consider donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, www.stjude.org

Don and Bessie are dancing together once again!

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cochran Funeral home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com

Condolences(14)

  1. REPLY
    Sharon & Pat (Schlomer) Housel says

    Condolences to all whose hearts were touched by the loss of your loved one.
    Don was admired by so many of his students, one being my husband. R.I.P. Don

    • David Bryk says

      To the Grant family my deepest sympathy Remembering your Dad and Mom as nice neighbors Treasure the memories forever

  2. REPLY
    Lincoln Jeffers says

    Don was a wonderful role model. teacher and coach. I learned to treat everyone with respect, not to underestimate anyone, to be kind, and to be engaged. He, Greg & Donna introduced me to skiing at Buck Hill where he was on the Patrol. Skiing was a dominant passion through my 20’s, and how I met my spouse. I remember his delight as he bounced my first born on his knee. I remember Don and Bess fondly as loving, strong presences in my early years . His was a life
    well lived. Greg and Donna, my thoughts are with you. Your Dad wad a wonderful man, your mother, a gem.

  3. REPLY
    Chick and Linda Dimiceli says

    Sad to hear of the passing of Don he has been a good friend for many years Back when I was in high school and needed a blood transfusion he is one of the guys to come forward He was my fishing partner for years He was a good friend Don and Bess made the best couple God bless

  4. REPLY
    Linda and Michael Marvaso says

    Our love to everyone regarding the loss of your Dad and to others, Pop Pop. A life of memories will be yours forever and will bring happiness always.
    Love, Nonni and Uncle Mike

  5. REPLY
    John and Donna Cummins says

    We are so sorry to hear of his passing. John and I loved your Dad. A great teacher and coach, and he was well respected by all who knew him. Heaven gained a real good angel! We are happy to know that he is with your Mom once again!

  6. REPLY
    John and Donna Cummins says

    We are so very sorry to hear that your Dad is no longer with us. He was a kind, fair and well respected teacher and coach. Heaven gained a really good Angel! Prayers for your famiky!

  7. REPLY
    Joe and Janet Lake says

    Don and Bess were such good neighbors. They enjoyed life and each other. We are glad they lived long lives. Enjoy eternity together you two! Love you both.
    Our deepest condolences to Greg, Donna and their families.

  8. REPLY
    Ed Wehmeyer says

    Very sad news about Coach Grant. He was a huge part of my life as basketball coach at HHS with so many lifetime memories along with all my Tiger Teammates.
    My deepest sympathy and condolences to family and friends
    Rest In Peace Coach Grant🙏🏻
    Thank you for helping me grow as a young man

  9. REPLY
    Paul & Robin Wallace says

    Dear Grant Family
    My Wife & I were very sorry to read of your Father’s passing, and so soon after your Mom’s.
    I know you are aware that your Father left Hackettstown a far better place than when he & your Mom arrived, and still that fact won’t ease the Sting of his passing.
    We pray the LORD will comfort You all as only HE can.
    In Christ alone
    Paul & Robin Wallace

  10. REPLY
    Rosemarie Sinisi Wright says

    He was one of the best teachers at HHS. Sorry for your loss 🙏🏻

  11. REPLY
    Joesph Beckert says

    My condolences to Greg and Donna. Mr. Grant was a fantastic teacher and a joy to be around. He told some hilariously funny stories and made learning easy.

  12. REPLY
    Darryl Applegate says

    Deepest condolences to Greg, Donna and families. I knew Mr. Grant since I was about 6 years old from the old days at the Sandbar where he lifeguarded with my dad. Later, I shared times with him and Greg on ice fishing outings, and then as a neighbor when the family moved to Charles Street. I also had the privilege of having him as my Chemistry teacher at HHS. He was truly a good man who made a positive mark on the lives of many people. May he and Mrs. Grant be enjoying each other’s companionship again.

    Darryl Applegate and Family.

  13. REPLY
    Scott Churchill says

    Condolences to the Grant Family-Don was one of the greatest teachers to have ever taught at Hackettstown High School and will be truly missed.

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