Bryan Joseph Granelli, 54, a member of the Kearny Board of Education in Hudson County, died unexpectedly Aug. 2.
Born Oct. 29, 1967, to Michael and Elizabeth, he was the second of five children. He was raised in Kearny where he attended Franklin School.
He graduated from St. Peter’s Prep in 1985 and earned a degree in accounting from Saint Peter’s College in 1989. He worked in the private security field for many years before founding his own firm, Patriot Security Group.
Granelli was a devoted family man. He married Jacqueline (nee Hoey), his loving wife, and settled in Kearny. They have two daughters, Jessica and Abaigeal (Abbey). Jess married Nick Paonessa, and they have three beautiful children, Jordan, Cameron and Carter. He was a great dad, loving husband, doting grandfather, loving son and brother and a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was a pillar of the Kearny community and lived a life of service.
“Mr. Granelli served on the Kearny Board of Education for a total of seven years,” said Flora Encarnacao, superintendent of Kearny School District. “I assumed the position of superintendent as of July 1st of this year. In the very short time that I was able to interact with Mr. Granelli, it was my impression that he was deeply dedicated to his role on the board of education and in doing everything he could to support the education, safety and well-being of the students in Kearny. His contributions will be remembered fondly, and he will be greatly missed.”
Samantha Paris, president of the Kearny Board of Education, said Granelli was a wonderful man who cared deeply for the children and the staff of Kearny School District. “Bryan served as the chairman to the facilities committee as his main focus was always the safety and well-being of everyone within our district,” she said. “Bryan had many years of experience working in the safety and security industry, so the facilities committee was perfect for him. He was able to bring his life experiences to the table as he had provided safety and security to several school districts throughout his career.”
She added, “Bryan was a man of service. In addition to serving on the board of education in Kearny, he also volunteered as a soccer coach in town for many years, even when he didn’t have children playing the sport. Bryan was a family man who loved with his whole heart. But his love and loyalty didn’t stop with his family. He was an incredible friend to so many as shown by the love and support his family has received during their time of grief. I am honored to call Bryan Granelli my friend and I will miss him tremendously.”
His obituary notes that he lit up every room he entered. He was a character. He had a great sense of humor and was an expert with inappropriate sarcasm. No one was spared, especially the ones he loved the most. He was always one to have a good time and celebrate every occasion.
Bryan touched many people’s lives and will be missed by not only his family, but by everyone that knew him. He is predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth; mother-in-law, Lorraine; and father-in law, Kevin. He is survived by his wife and daughters, son-in-law, grandchildren, father, brothers, sister, brothers and sisters-in law, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation. In the future, a foundation will be established in memory of Granelli.
Arrangements were by Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny.
View Granelli’s obituary to leave a condolence.