ANDOVER – Wayne W. Grant, 78, went to be with his Lord on Thursday (May 1, 2025) after a brief illness in UR/Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.
Wayne was born February 24, 1947 in Wellsville. He was the son of Winfield “Windy” Grant, and Mareta (Perry) Routh and step-father Thomas Routh, who all predeceased him. He attended Andover Central School and joined the Navy at 17 years of age in 1962. He served on the USS Guam LPH-9 and was a plank owner.
Later, he worked at Jones Memorial Hospital where he met his wife of 52 years, Judith “Judi” (Mosher). They both worked at Jones during the Flood of ‘72. They were married April 6, 1973 in Wellsville. Wayne continued working at Jones Memorial hospital as a Respiratory Therapist and often did assignments at St. James Mercy hospital, as well as Bethesda Hospital in Hornell. The last years of his career were spent at Southern Tier Home Medical in Wellsville, working as a Home Oxygen Technician and Orthotic Fitter along with his son.
Wayne always had a commitment to community service and volunteerism. He served as Councilman for the Andover Town Board for 22 years. He was a 47-year member of the Andover Lions Club, and received the Uplinger Lion of the Year Award, and the Melvin Jones Award. He also was Past-President of the Wellsville Area Jaycees, a member of the Andover American Legion Lynch-Burgett Post, and President of Valley Brook Cemetery Association.
Wayne either spearheaded or assisted with many community projects and activities. These included the Andover Maple Festival, 4th of July activities, the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall, and Efforts to Save Buffalo Children’s Hospital. He was the Andover School Assistant Soccer Coach, Little League Coach, Director of the Andover School Marching Band Color Guard (winning often at competitions), Grand Marshal for the 4th of July parade, and was awarded the Ormsby Award for community service. He was honored by the Allegany County Legislature for his efforts. He developed a program to honor the Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty with a community celebration.
After 911, Wayne raised funds in various way to enhance a park in Staten Island, the borough with most “911” casualties, and a plaque was erected acknowledging Allegany County’s contribution at Ground Zero. He arranged a tour for those who helped with the park. He also arranged a visit for Shanksville, PA and presented them with a US American Flag from Andover, which is still flying there today.
His greatest pride, and achievement was securing donations for flags from each state, which are proudly displayed on buildings and posts along Main Street in Andover, carefully hung with the help the Andover Village Crew. Along with the 50 state flags, an approximately 30×50 foot American flag (dubbed the community flag), was purchased and is carried during parades by 20 community members and volunteers.
As a guest lecturer in Andover classrooms, he spoke of the importance of community involvement and volunteerism. He was honored to be the commencement speaker for the Andover graduating class of 2020.
Surviving, along with his wife Judi, are his four children; Danielle Grant of Andover, Misti Grant of Rochester, Mindi Graham of Wellsville, Seth (Shelly) Grant of Andover; eight grandchildren; Kylee Grant, Logan Graham, Madison Graham-Scott (Nicholas), William Grant, Peyton Graham, Lydia Grant, Zayden Grant, and Drew Grant; One great granddaughter, Ayla Rood; a sister, Patty Routh of Randleman, NC; a brother, Dan (Dawn) Grant of Randleman, NC; a Fresh Air son, Sharif Elcock of Brooklyn; a Fresh Air daughter, Agnes Sabino of Florida; special friends- Phyllis Hines, Peter Graham, and Eddie Cleveland; several nieces and nephews, as well as all of his “Bonus Grandchildren”.
Calling hours will be held at Baker Swan Funeral Home in Andover on Tuesday (May 6, 2025) from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service and time of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday (May 7) at the funeral home at 11 a.m., with Rev. Christian Mattison of Andover Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Valley Brook Cemetery in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wayne’s name may be given to Valley Brook Cemetery Association, 1524 State Route 417, Andover NY, 14806; or give a day to volunteer in your community. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
My deepest condolences to the Grant family. Wayne was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. Along with Fred Kelley, he was a great source of support when my brother Steve died. He understood what Steve went through in Vietnam, which many people did not.