Philodore Leo “Philly” Granger, 85, of Royce Street, Claremont, NH, died peacefully Wednesday morning, August 31, 2011, in his home with his family after a long struggle with lung disease.

He was born in Winooski, VT, on October 22, 1925, the son of Harvey and Beatrice (Couture) Granger.

He was a US Navy veteran having served during WWII as a Boatswain’s Mate, Second Class.

“Philly” joined the Claremont Fire Dept. as a call firefighter in 1953, was assigned to the permanent Force in 1956, was promoted to Fire Captain in 1971, promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 1977 and retired in 1981 after 25 years of service.

Philly loved life – he most enjoyed being with his family and friends and having a good laugh.  Throughout his life, he was active in many sports.  He excelled at golf, fishing and hunting.  Philly was well known at local clubs forming friendships that lasted his lifetime. 

He was a life-long member of St. Joseph’s Parish, the American Legion Post No. 29 of Claremont and the Claremont Country Club.

Surviving family members include his wife, Loretta L. (Pinard) Granger of Claremont whom he married October 7, 1950; five daughters, Phyllis Fogg of Claremont, Brenda Caswell and her husband, Allen, of Meredith, NH, Jane Snow and her husband, Harry, III, of New London, NH, Nancy Rogers and her husband, Scott, of Springfield, VT and Audrey Semel of Springfield, VT; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Rolante Winot of Weare, MA; a brother, George Granger of Lempster, NH; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother, Andrew Granger in 1991.

Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad St., Claremont on Thursday evening, September 1, 2011, from 6 to 8 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 2, 2011 at Eleven O’Clock in St. Joseph Church with Rev. Stanley J. Piwowar, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors. A reception will be held at the Claremont Country Club.

A special thank you to the Connecticut Valley Hospice and the VA Home Based Primary Care.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Connecticut Valley Home Care/Hospice, 958 John Stark Highway, Newport, NH 03773.