HOLDEN— Paul O. Granquist died on Apr. 12, 2006, at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Anna (Losapio); his children: Lisa A. and her husband Thomas Dorward of Ashby and David P. and his wife Laurie (Johnson) of Petersham; grandchildren: Charise, Paul, Douglas, Hans, and step grandchildren: Victoria and Bryan.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Oliver and Margit (Bloomberg) Granquist. He graduated from Commerce High School, served in the U.S, Air Force during the Korean Conflict and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated Cum Laude in Business Administration from the former Worcester Junior College, attended Clark University and later graduated from the School of Industrial Management (SIM) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In 1991, he was honored to receive the distinguished Albert J. Schwieger Award for Professional Achievement from SIM.
Paul began his working career employed part time at Guaranty Bank & Trust Co. in the bookkeeping, accounting, mortgage loan and appraising departments. His full time employment began as Assistant Manager of Collections at Worcester Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. He became an adjuster for GMAC Corp., followed by a partnership in the Sjolander Engraving Co.
Beginning his career at Thomas Smith Co. Inc. Worcester as a general and cost accountant, he was promoted to Chief Accountant. Subsequent promotions followed, which included Assistant Controller, Controller, Assistant Treasurer and VP of Administration, Executive Vice President. In 1984, Paul became President and owner, working tirelessly and diligently to build and grow the business, achieving the goal of CEO and owner. He retired in 2002 due to illness.
Paul was a director of the Nat’l Assoc. of Accountants; a member of C.M.E.A., Nat’l Assoc. of Manufacturers and Nat’l Assoc. Credit Executives. He was also on the board or a member of the following organizations: United Way, Fund Raising for the former Worcester Hahnemann Hospital, Worcester Rotary Club, Worcester Club, Republican Campaign Committee, Building Committee of Trinity Lutheran Church (Worcester), Holden Indian Guides and Tournament Dir. Highland St. (Holden) Tennis Assoc., the Order of De Molay and Morning Star Lodge (formerly Isaiah Thomas Lodge) of Masons.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 18, from 4-7 pm at the Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester. A committal service will be held Wed., April 19, at 2:45 pm at Grove Cemetery, 1280 Main St., Holden. Memorial contributions can be made to The Salvation Army, Citadel Corp., 640 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 or the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, 186 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111. For directions and on-line guestbook, please visit:
NordgrenMemorialChapel.com