Obituary of Karen J. Granito

Karen J. Granito of Glenmont, New York passed away peacefully at 81 on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 while in hospice care at “The Inn” at St. Peters Hospital.

Karen was born in Albany, NY on July 8, 1940, the daughter of the late Harold and Catherine Kirchner and niece of Elenore “Sis” Kirchner of Delmar, NY. Karen was a graduate of Bethlehem Central High School and SUNY, Oneonta, New York with a BS and Master’s degree in education.  She was married to Anthony “Chick” Granito on August 18, 1962 in Albany, New York.

Karen enjoyed an extensive employment career.  She taught Home Economics at Philip Livingston Middle School in Albany; was a Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts and was the Assessor for the Town of Norfolk, Mass.  She worked in the Assessor’s Office in Cortland, NY and retired as Senior Assessment Clerk for the Town of Bethlehem, Delmar, NY.

Family was most important to Karen and family always came first. She enjoyed spending her summers on Sherman Lake at the family camp in Bolton Landing, New York; Rose Hill, St. George, Bermuda; and later in life at the family’s summer home on Ash Island, Ontario Canada. She traveled extensively in Europe, Central and Latin America and Canada and did a tandem sky diving jump in 2009 at the young age of 70.  Her other enjoyments included her cats, reading, hiking and taking pictures.

Karen’s memberships included serving as an Officer for NOVA in Norfolk, MA and the Elsmere Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary where she was an active member for over 60 years holding numerous offices. Most recently, Karen held the position of Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Over the years Karen developed lifelong friendships wherever she resided. She fondly spent time with Sharon Allaire, Norfolk, MA; Cindi Burns, North Attleboro, MA; Alice, Helen, Pat, Carol and Mary Ellen of Glenmont, NY; Laurie, Theresa and Colleen at Delmar Town Hall; and Mary Theresa from Albany, NY.

Karen often traveled with her best friend/daughter-in-law, Holly Granito. Over the years they visited New York City and Boston to see many Broadway and off Broadway shows. Her grandson, Bryan Granito, called weekly and she always looked forward to hearing about his adventures in California. During lacrosse season you would always find Karen cheering on her granddaughter, Kimberly Granito during her playing as well as her coaching days. Karen loved her son, Jeff Granito. Without a doubt, Jeff was her pride and joy. They spoke often via phone and text, she loved his frequent surprise visits and was delighted with his spontaneous humor and affection. After 60+ years of marriage to her lifelong love and husband, Chick Granito, he summarized his feelings saying; Karen was “The Best” and he could not ask for anything better.

All who knew Karen appreciated her for her kindness, always being forthright and being a true friend who you could count on no matter what.

She is survived by her husband, Anthony “Chick” Granito; Glenmont; son, Jeffrey Granito and his wife, Holly, of Hampden, MA; grandson, Bryan Granito; San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Kimberly Granito; Adams, MA; and future granddaughter-in-law, Hannah Sorensen, fiancé of Kimberly Granito; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Dolores Granito, Canandaigua, NY & Pine Island, FL;  niece; Michele Connors, Penfield, NY; niece; Ruth Ann Granito, Charlotte, NC; nephew; Harry Granito, Ann Arbor, MI; great nieces: Emily Connors, Alexie Connors; great nephews; Tommy Connors and Michael Allaire; and loving cats: Ollie and Beatle.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital emergency room, ICU, comfort care, and hospice “The Inn” @ St Peters. Your care, compassion and love during Karen’s stay was unmatched.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, July 16 from 12 noon to 2 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY.   A service of remembrance will follow at 2 pm in the funeral home.  All are welcome to join the family at Glenmont Community Church, 1 Chapel Lane, Glenmont, NY 12077 for refreshments immediately following the service.
 

Those who wish may send a remembrance in her name to Glenmont Community Church, 1 Chapel Lane Glenmont, NY 12077 or Elsmere Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary 15 West Poplar Drive, Delmar, NY 12054.