Senate Resolution No. 161 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Colvin O. Grannum, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Colvin O. Grannum was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Colvin O. Grannum, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Colvin O. Grannum of Brooklyn, New York, died on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the age of 97; and WHEREAS, Colvin O'Neal Grannum was born on November 14, 1924, in Barbados, West Indies, the fourth of 11 children to Charles and Mathel Grannum; and WHEREAS, Raised in an African Methodist Episcopalian family of strong faith, as a young man Colvin O. Grannum joined the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Barbados, where he met Lucille Maloney, who would become his bride and life partner for 62 years; and WHEREAS, A skilled craftsman, Colvin O. Grannum came to the United States after completing a carpentry apprenticeship and temporarily worked in various factories; he returned to Barbados before officially immigrating to the United States in 1950, during which time he settled near family in Boston; and WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Colvin O. Grannum moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he and Lucille were united in marriage in 1952; that same year, the couple purchased a brownstone on Cambridge Place in Clinton Hill/Bedford Stuyvesant where they raised their three sons; and WHEREAS, A truly industrious man renowned for his extraordinary work ethic and physical strength, Colvin O. Grannum worked as a shipbuilder for Bethlehem Shipyard, Brooklyn Federal Navy Yard, and Philadelphia Federal Navy Yard in the 1950s and 60s; and WHEREAS, With the closures of the Navy Yards, Colvin O. Grannum joined the New York City Transit Authority as a skilled tradesman in the mid-1960s, and quickly advanced to master mason before retiring 25 years later; and WHEREAS, In addition to his illustrious careers with the Naval Yards and New York City Transit Authority, Colvin O. Grannum served as an active carpenter and handyman who was often called upon by his friends and neighbors for small renovation projects, including carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work, as well as repair projects of every sort; and WHEREAS, Moreover, following the example of his parents who owned their home and land in Barbados, Colvin O. Grannum embarked on a life-long journey into the world of Brooklyn real estate, acquiring and renovating distressed properties which he would then rent to working-class families; and WHEREAS, After settling his family, Colvin O. Grannum began assisting his parents and siblings with their immigration to the United States, and they eventually settled in Boston; annual trips to visit his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews were special occasions for Colvin, Lucille, and the boys; and WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Colvin O. Grannum joined Beulah Church of the Nazarene in the early 1950s, and diligently helped the church to grow and prosper, serving in numerous positions on the Board of Trustees for more than 45 years, including over three decades as Chairman; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Colvin O. Grannum was a leader in the purchase of both the St. John's Place sanctuary and church complex, and the Washington Avenue Community Center; and WHEREAS, Colvin O. Grannum had a strong constitution and an unforgettable handshake grip; he did not drink alcohol or smoke, and he was known throughout the community for moving refrigerators and other objects seemingly too challenging for a man of his modest but sturdy size; he loved gospel music and during his final days, found comfort in singing his favorite songs; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his beloved wife in 2014, Colvin O. Grannum is survived by his three sons, Colvin W. (Sandra), Jeffrey (Janice), and Charles; four grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jr., Jenee, Jordan, and Clifton; a great-grandson, Kameron; future grand-daughter-in-law, Jennie Lorusso; and a brother, Cameron; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends; and WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Colvin O. Grannum who upheld the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best of humanity; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Colvin O. Grannum leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Colvin O. Grannum, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Colvin O. Grannum.