Neil J. Graner, 85
Neil J. Graner, 85, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on December 13, 1940, Neil was raised in Yonkers, New York, where he attended Commerce High School. Growing up, Neil held a variety of jobs, including working as a messenger for Tom Carvel, a soda jerk at Urich's, and a longtime golf caddie. It was while in high school that he met the love of his life, Janet Della Rocca. They married in June 1962 and went on to build a beautiful life together.
Neil and Janet raised their five children in Yonkers and later in Chappaqua, New York, where Neil was an active member of the community and a member of Mt. Kisco Country Club. Neil and Janet loved traveling the world together and spending time at their homes in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Never a dull moment, the two shared a lifetime of laughter, adventure, and love, right up until the end.
After high school, Neil proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39). While aboard, Neil was involved in taking pictures of the ship, crew and documenting the recovery of the Project Mercury. After being honorably discharged in 1961, Neil remained close with many of his fellow crewmates, gathering regularly over the decades to share stories and reminisce about their time together.
Following his military service, Neil attended Daytona State College and later earned his degree from Westchester Community College. While pursuing his education, he began his career as a business owner in the office equipment industry. Through discipline, hard work, determination, and a natural gift for selling, Neil built an extremely successful company with territories spanning New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles. Even while battling cancer and other health setbacks, Neil continued to actively manage his final business in Los Angeles until the very end, checking in with employees and making sales calls from his hospital bed.
Of all the places Neil loved, Nantucket was truly where he felt most at peace. Neil and Janet purchased a home on the island in 1982 and aptly named it Happy Hummock. Neil loved driving his red Jeep, affectionately known as "Little Red," to Wharf Rat Club meetings, the Anglers Club, Miacomet Golf Course, and Cisco Beach. He was always easy to spot riding his bike around the island in his Nantucket reds and docksiders.
Despite his most recent battle with cancer, Neil remained positive and kept his humor about him. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, sarcasm and ability to light up the room.
Neil is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet; his children, Neil Graner Jr., Judy Connal (Allan), Jill Graner, and Lynn Sanders (Jeffrey); his grandchildren, Zion Graner, Caroline, Alexander, Christopher, Luke, and Madeleine Connal, and William and Teddy Sanders; his great-grandchildren, Alex and Gabriella Graner; and his siblings, Louis (Sue), Regina Faia (Tom), Kathleen Schwabe (Paul), and Michael (Debby). As well as numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, Kevin Graner.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil's memory to benefit the McCarthy Care Center. Gifts may be mailed to McCarthy Care Center c/o Cape Cod Health Care Foundation PO Box 370, Hyannis, Ma 02601.
His Funeral Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 17th at 11 AM in St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St. Mattapoisett. Please meet directly at church. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 2-5 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com
