In Memory of Mike Grant

Written By Rachel Hanley

Michael D. Grant, Jr.


1938 - 2025

It is with deep gratitude and sadness that we share the passing of our beloved board member, Michael D. “Mike” Grant, Jr.

Mike was a devoted leader, past president, and true friend to Pathways. His generosity, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to supporting adults living with mental health challenges left an indelible mark on our community.

We are honored to have had his guidance and compassion. His legacy will continue to inspire us.

Obituary:


Michael Donald Grant Jr., of Greenwich, CT, died peacefully on September 19, 2025 at age 87, following a brief but courageous bout with an aggressive type of Lymphoma.


Michael ("Mike"), the eldest son of M. Donald and Alice Grant, was born in New York City on February 1, 1938 and raised in Cedarhurst, NY. He attended Lawrence Country Day School and graduated from Deerfield Academy, where he was a good student and played varsity soccer, tennis, and hockey. Mike earned a BA in art history from Williams College, where he was a member of St. Anthony's Hall (Delta Psi) and the varsity hockey team. He served in the US Navy for 3 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG.


He married Elizabeth ("Betsy") Lawall (Grant) in New York in 1964. In 1975 they moved their family to Greenwich, where they remained together for the rest of his life. Mike engaged in a long and successful career in financial services, beginning at Fahnestock & Co. in 1962 and rising to become Partner. Mike joined Gabelli Asset Management in 1995, where he dutifully served his clients for over 30 years.


Mike enjoyed playing tennis, squash, and golf, and played them all well – winning championships at various area clubs. An avid sports fan, he supported his New York teams – particularly his beloved Mets. He was also an engrossing raconteur, a skill he inherited from his father.


His legacy as a person of character and kindness is evidenced by his commitment to continuous learning and helping others. He was a board member and past president of Pathways, a mental health advocacy organization in Greenwich. A keen listener and articulate writer, he impacted many with his eloquent letters and warm conversations. Mike also quietly maintained his sobriety for the final 31 years of his life, and sponsored others on their recovery journey.


Michael derived his greatest joy from being a proud family man and a worthy father. He reveled in knowing that his family remained close – and lived close by – in his final years. Fortunately, his legacy is preserved through his 2024 memoirs, entitled "Veni, Vidi, Gratus Sum." In the book, he shares his life story and perspectives – including espousing his late cousin Jimmy's "4 life rules" that he fervently adopted: 1.) Show up. 2.) Try hard 3.) Build up and encourage others. 4.) Be grateful. Words for us all to live by.


He is predeceased by his parents Alice and Don, sister Sheila, cousin Jimmy, niece Alice, and his son Michael III. He is survived by Betsy - his wife of over 60 years, sons Andrew (Emily) and Luke (Suzanne), and daughter Bettina McCarthy (Tyler). He is also survived by his brother Tim and sister Patsy (and their families), as well as 5 grandchildren – who called him "Papa."


A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17th at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Riverside, CT. In lieu of flowers, at the request of his family, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to Pathways to continue the work he so passionately supported.

Your generosity will be shared with Mike’s family and will help continue the work that meant so much to him at Pathways.

Contribute to:
3% Cover the Fee

Other Donation Methods:

  • Checks can be made payable to:

    • Pathways, Inc.

    • note: Mike Grant

    • address: 175 Milbank Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

  • Donor Advised Fund, Stock or ACH, please email

Rachel Hanley