Obituary of Gary L. Grenier

Gary Lowell Grenier passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 8th, 2023, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jennifer, his sons Aaron (Hye Jeong), Trevin (Jamie) and Paul and grandchildren Haiden, Landon, and Brynn. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Fern (Smith) Grenier, and siblings, Gloria Hurthibiese, Gail Peet, and Bernard Grenier.

Gary grew up in his beloved Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the middle of seven children. There he learned a love of rural life, the lake, and woods. His life took him on a journey living across the US to Colorado, Maine, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio and for the last 29 years in New Jersey. After spending 4 years in the US Air Force as an electronic technician, he attended the University of North Texas earning a degree. He spent his life dedicated to educating and nurturing children: his own, his nephews and nieces, and hundreds as an administrator of homes and schools for troubled youths.  As an administrator he was a co-creator and a driving force in creating the holistic experiential educational process, "Transformational Education."  He spent his life teaching and using this approach to transform many young people's conception about themselves and their lives for the better.   

Gary loved thinking and using his mind to create and problem solve in which he was a master. In addition, he loved his family as his greatest accomplishment and sense of pride. They and his siblings loved him deeply and revered him as a source of wisdom and creativity. He leaves behind a legacy of thought and compassion that will not be forgotten.

Relatives and Friends are invited to Gary's visitation to celebrate his life on Thursday, July 6, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Pitman, 10 Wildwood Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071 where a Memorial Service will held at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers his family requests donations be made to “Learning Ally,” (formerly “Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.")  at https://learningally.org or Learning Ally, 20 Rozel Road, Princeton, NJ. 080540.