Mr. Anthony "Tony" Grant

UTICA – Mr. Anthony “Tony” Grant, affectionately known as “Big T.” and “OG” Grant, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the age of 62. At the time of his transition, he was in the company of his wife, sister, and his brother in Christ, Kayle. Born in Harlem, NY, on September 5, 1962, Anthony was the tenth of eleven children of the late Emel Grant and Lula Walton. He was raised in Harlem and educated in the New York City public school system. In 1989, Tony relocated to Utica to attend and area trucking transportation institute. At one time, Tony was wed to Crystal Lanaux, and from that love came the blessing of three beautiful daughters, who have been inspired by their father’s steadfast benevolence. He was also a wonderful father figure to his additional children, Marco Lanaux, and Shydone Lanaux. On September 13, 2014, he was united in marriage with the former Ketra Hopper. They began as friends, and their relationship blossomed into a beautiful life together. One of Tony’s greatest virtues, in Ketra’s eyes, was his introduction of her to the Lord, deepening her faith and understanding of Him. The couple was blessed to renew their vows on April 26, 2024, a memorable and captivating event. Anthony appreciated the position he held at Bohling’s Auto Service and the many friendships he made through his work there. He was truly passionate about good food and its preparation, a love which he put to good use during his career working for several area restaurants. He was well known and loved by those he served at the Salvation Army. He furthered his charitable works at the Rescue Mission of Utica, which was driven by his faith and compassion for those less fortunate. He truly was a man of great humility who took any opportunity to care for others. You graciously knew when he had done a good deed… there was always a smile on his face. Doing the Lord’s work was his ministry in his life, and he loved nothing more than helping endless souls find the Lord. This desire began at Faith Baptist Temple, a home away from home that provided him with the motivation, dedication, and strength to spread the Word. He read his Bible and quoted only appropriate scripture. Anthony opened his heart to many – he will never be forgotten for the great and unconditional love that he showed to others. Anthony had a wonderful, smooth, sly, and funny personality. Everyone loved being around him. He was even considered a dancing machine. Whenever he would turn on his mixed tapes or CDs, his foot would start tapping and soon he would stick out his tongue… then you knew he was on fire! Gospel music was the closest to his heart and he glorified the blessings found in the lyrics of each song. When the family played “It’s Something About the Name Jesus,” toward the time of his passing, he shook his head, put his hands up, and asked the Lord to open the gates and take him home. Tony was proud to have graduated from MVCC and SUNY IT later in his life – he believed it was never too late to continue his education, and that was one of his greatest accomplishments. Among the family, he was renowned as a greatest cook. Whether it was for a casual cook out or a formal holiday dinner, his dishes always got people’s mouths watering. Truly a hospitable man, he was usually in charge of cooking for any large gatherings and events for family and the community. All were invited to enjoy his hospitality. Even when his health conditions changed, he found a way to minister from the healthcare facilities and brought joy to those who needed hope and peace. He was all inclusive and gave wonderful advice to everyone. He would tell people that “it’s not about what you do, but how you do it.” As he is greeted by his Lord he will surely hear the sentiments of Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” Anthony is survived by his wife, Ketra; his children, Toni Grant, Gloria Grant, Krystal Grant, Marco Lanaux, Shydone Lanaux; and Kyahir, Dayshawn, and Essence, whom he loved as his own children; and grandchildren, Kyanni; Ivy; Autumn; Kayla, Romeo, Dayshawn, Jr., and Infinity; and his siblings and their families, Gloria Grant, Sharon Edwards, Kim Grant, Daryl Grant, and David Weathers. He was preceded by additional siblings. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; goddaughters, Jewel, and Elisina; and members of Ketra’s family, especially his mother-in-law, Melody Potter, and brothers-in-law, Javon Potter, and Raymond Hopper. Tony was blessed with many friendships throughout his life, with an outstanding notable mention of Dwayne Holmes, and Andrea Scott, who were all vitally important to him. The Grant family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Utica, who cared for Anthony with grace and kindness, and treated him as family. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Anthony’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85040022283. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Anthony "Tony" Grant

September 5, 1962 - June 7, 2025