Captain Richard Francis Grant, US Navy (retired), 86, of Harrisville NH and Kittery Point ME, died 23 May 2026 in Keene NH. Born in Portsmouth August 8, 1939 to the late Milton F. Grant and Geraldine Helen (Vigneau) Grant, he graduated from Saint Patrick’s School and Portsmouth High School, having joined the Naval Reserve at age 17.<\/p>\n
He began service at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an Apprentice Shipfitter before called to active duty in the Submarine Force. He was immensely proud he served on the Portsmouth-built submarine USS SEAOWL (SS-405) on which his two grandfathers, a grandmother, two aunts, and his father had a hand in building during WWII. Following service on USS DOGFISH (SS-350) and USS GROUPER (AGSS-214) he was released from active duty. Upon graduation from Maine Maritime Academy he was awarded a BS in Marine Engineering, commissioned an Ensign, USNR, and received a US Coast Guard license as a Third Assistant Engineer in the US Merchant Marine. After sailing on various merchant ships he returned to active duty in the Submarine Force.<\/p>\n
He served in various billets aboard USS BECUNA (SS-319), USS HALFBEAK (SS-352), and USS CLAMAGORE (SS-343). He was Commanding Officer of US Naval Facility, Antigua, The West Indies, and Commanding Officer, USS POINT LOMA (AGDS-2). He served in ASW capacities with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-1), a cruiser-destroyer group, CTF-64 in the Mediterranean, and, to his distain, two tours on the OPNAV staff. Following retirement in 1991 he traveled extensively but returned joyfully to his views of pond and sea.<\/p>\n
Captain Grant is survived by his wife of 42 years Captain Dorothy K. N. Grant, USN (retired), his two beloved sons Shawn M. Grant and wife Amy of Gilbert AZ, and Jeffrey A. Grant and wife Carla of Cardiff by the Sea CA; four treasured grandchildren and their wives and husbands; and four (almost five) great grandchildren. Also surviving are Gail (Miles) Grant of Portsmouth, Beverly (Hanscom) Grant-Davison of Bonita CA, and brothers Robert and Dennis Grant.<\/p>\n
Based upon his wide experience he told the best stories.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"