Grant D. LaQuay

 He was born on August 28, 1927, a son of the late William and Helen Fuller LaQuay. Grant was raised in Hawkinsville, New York. In his youth, he helped his father at the sand quarry in Boonville. When old enough, Grant worked driving large loads of timber down from Tug Hill.  He spoke of many harrowing trips he made, including losing his brakes on one of the downhill runs.  Grant served in the Korean War as a Corporal and was a very active member of the Charles J. Love Post American Legion #406 in Boonville.  He took great pride in the legion and the contributions he made to it. Grant was united in marriage to the former Mary Roberts of Forestport. The couple resided at Mary’s home for a time before moving to a home he built himself in Remsen. Years later, they returned to Mary’s home.  A member of the Bricklayer’s Union out of Utica, Grant was foreman on many jobsites.  Besides his regular job, he was highly sought after to do stone and brick jobs for residents throughout the area.  In fact, he and his son Damian built the last two columns entering Fairchild Cemetery.  Recently, Grant found out that four of his ancestors, on his mother’s side, came to America on the original Mayflower ship. 

Grant was a natural woodsman, cutting lumber, hunting, and doing wood working. He enjoyed reading, playing cards, especially pitch, and participated in many pitch tournaments.  Grant was an avid Yankee’s baseball fan and was an excellent swimmer and diver.  In his youth, Grant was a beautiful dancer, dancing until he was 96.

He is survived by his three daughters, Michelle LaQuay, Denise (Steve) Gates, and Celeste LaQuay (Eddie) Montoya; Grant has six grandchildren; as well as two great grandchildren. He was one of nine children and is survived by two sisters, Shirley (George) Weiler and Donna (David) Douglas. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary; his son, Damian; and his daughter, Cynthia. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Church of Forestport with Rev. Thomas Ward officiating.  Calling hours will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post Street, Boonville.  Spring burial will be in Fairchild Cemetery, Remsen.  

Online condolences may be made to Grant’s family online at www.millsfuneralhomes.com.