Anthony T. Grana, D.D.S., age 95, passed away on November 21, 2021 in Spring, Texas. He was born July 22, 1926, the son of the late Theodore and Mamie (Archie) Grana. Dr. Grana married the love of his life, Egla Urdaz, on September 3, 1956. He was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, New York, until he and his wife moved to Spring, Texas in 2016 to be with their rapidly growing and loving family.
Anthony was proud of the fact that in 1936, at the age of ten, he became a charter member of the Boys Club of America in Niagara Falls, New York. Little did he realize that eight years later, in 1944, he and many of his classmates would become part of the Greatest Generation. Following his graduation from Niagara Falls High School in 1944, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and became a radio operator to be honorably discharged as a sergeant, in September 1946.
He graduated from Antioch College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and graduated from the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1954 with a degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery. Fortunately, he decided to take an optional dental internship at Grasslands Hospital in Valhalla, New York from 1954-1955 where he met his future wife who was interning in dietetics at the same time. Dr. Grana continued his education and graduated from the orthodontic department of Columbia University Dental School in New York in 1957.
He was a member of the Eighth District Dental Society, the New York State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, past president of the Eighth District Orthodontic Academy, member of the New York State Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Grana practiced orthodontics in Niagara Falls and Lewiston New York from 1957-1996, the last 23 years in partnership with Dr. John R. Whiteman.
He was a member of the LaSalle Church of Christ from 1991-2016 and chairman of the board of trustees for five years, a member of the YMCA for more than 50 years and a member of the Niagara Falls Country Club for 48 years. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling with his wife and reading nonfiction books but his greatest joy was being with his wife, children and extended family, all of whom were always there for him whenever needed. This was also true of his many close friends, especially Dr. Domonic Falsetti.
In addition to his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Dr. Grana is also survived by two caring daughters, namely Cristina (Rob) Shoemaker of Spring, Texas; Diana (Jack) Christiana of Spring, Texas; two devoted sons, Thomas Grana of Columbus, Indiana and James Grana PhD. of Naperville, Illinois. He is also survived by seven grandchildren – Anthony (Kellee) Shoemaker, Laura (Jon) Hinson, Tara (Christopher) Lopez, Mia Christiana, Julie (Alex) Imhoff, Allison (Adam) Smith, Vincent Grana, ten great grandchildren, a very special brother Julian Grana and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sister-in-law Eva Yates of Florida and in-laws Dr. Alfonso and Nancy Zerbi, Dr. Magdiel and Nohemi Mayol and Mary Rosario, all of Puerto Rico.
In addition to his parents, Dr Grana was also predeceased by his two sisters Frances Grana and Concetta Radomski, sister-in-law Annabelle Grana and daughter-in-law Laura Grana.
There will be time to visit with the family from 11-12PM followed by a memorial service at 12PM at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga St, LEWISTON, NY 14092 on Saturday , December 11, 2021.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests that, if you wish, donations may be made to the LaSalle Church of Christ, 1121 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304 or to your charity of choice, but above all remember Dr. Grana (Tony) with good thoughts and know that he enjoyed his times with you throughout his life.
Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for guest register.