Gridley W. "Grid" Julian

Mr. Gridley W. “Grid” Julian, age 80, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2006 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. Born in Utica on March 23, 1926, Gridley was the son of the late Peter and Agnes (Dousharm) Julian. He was raised and educated locally. A veteran of World War II, he served proudly in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Bunker Hill. On October 15, 1949 he was joined in marriage with the former Margaret E. “Peg” Collea. Throughout their 56-year union, Grid and Peg have proved to be a truly compatible couple who have been complements to one another as they shared the blessings and the commitments of family life. For 40 years Mr. Julian was a valued employee of Utica Oil Company (Mohawk Valley Oil). His primary assignment was as a driver for the company, but he also served as a jack-of-all-trades who could accomplish a variety of tasks in a reliable and capable manner. His character and his values were defined and reflected by his honorable work ethic, his loyalty to his employer, and his dedication to his responsibilities. As a devoted husband and father, Grid was dependable and conscientious to the very end. He taught his children the traditional values that were so important to him in his own life, such as respect for one another, loyalty, and honesty. In return, his children loved and appreciated him for all that he stood for and for his lifelong guidance. Grid was equally loyal in his friendships. A true hallmark of both his professional and personal reputation was his kindness. Grid’s most meaningful and proudest achievements were his marriage, his children, and his successful 40-year professional tenure with the same company. In his leisure time, he enjoyed events and outings with his family, such as weekend picnics or trips to Bald Mountain Colonie, on Third Lake which was one of the places where he enjoyed his boat. Another favorite activity consisted of the frequent family “car rides”: no matter where these expeditions into the countryside led and no matter how many unexplored and unmapped back roads he would travel, Grid would always make his way back home. He was an avid golfer, and avid hunter, a sport which he shared with his sons. At one time he bowled in the St. Joseph’s-St. Patrick’s Church League. He belonged to the Whitestown Post of the American Legion, and he practiced his faith at Historic Old St. John’s Church. Mr. Julian is survived by his wife, Margaret, known to family and friends as “Peg”; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Lourdes “Michele Mary” and Ronald Scholefield of Utica, and Michele “Mary Michele” and Paul Paladino of New Hartford; and 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas W. Sr. and Eileen Julian of Minoa NY, Douglas and Joan Julian of Liverpool NY, and Patrick J. Sr. and Sherri Julian of Frankfort NY. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Christine and Chris Lambert, Jennifer Szczesniak, Amy and Vinny Parrotta, John-Paul Scholefield, Thomas W. Julian Jr., Melissa Julian, Timothy Julian, Danielle Julian, Charlee Julian, Brett Julian, Jacqueline Paladino, Michele Paladino and her fiancé, Matt Trinkaus, Paul Paladino III, Amanda Julian, Patrick J. Julian Jr., and Alexis Julian; and his great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Madison, Sydney, Michael, Nicholas, Dominick, Julia, and Emily. In addition, his survivors include a sister, Genevieve Vennaro-Asner; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; numerous godchildren; and his in-laws, Joseph and Ruth Collea, Ethel and Frank Gaetano, Catherine and Bill Grimmer, Eileen Philo, Carol Collea, Francis and Mary Ann Collea, Jerome and Joyce Collea, Marilyn Minor, and Robert and Jean Collea. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Chester and Helen Julian, Virginia and Fran Scarfo, and Peter and Dorothy Julian; and by a number of in-laws. The family is sincerely and deeply grateful to the Utica Police Dept., especially Officer Schaffer and Sergeant Ruggiero: their kindness and compassion were both touching and supportive. As a family, Grid’s children dedicated themselves to caring for their dad with unselfish devotion. Visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider honoring Gridley’s memory with contributions to Upstate Cerebral Palsy or to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Julian’s funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Gridley W. "Grid" Julian

March 23, 1926 - May 14, 2006