Grady Milton

Grady Milton was born in Andalusia, Alabama to his parents the late Thomas James Milton and the late Angeline Goshanke. He had three sisters: Doris, Mary Ann and Gloria.

 During his early childhood, Grady developed his love and skills for entertaining audiences and making people  laugh. While he was still an elementary pupil, Grady entertained his family members at backyard family gatherings with his performances as a stand-up comedian and singer. His ability to capture an audience’s attention, endured throughout his adolescence and adulthood. He was a popular public announcer for his high school football and basketball teams.

Upon graduating from high school, Grady realized that college was absolutely unaffordable for him to consider attending. Therefore he progressively ventured out into the career realms of radio broadcasting; free lance disk jockeying; and media communications. He was master of ceremonies and opening act for several popular singers during live stage performances in the 1960s and 1970s. In 2012, Grady Milton was invited by his fellow alumni of the Covington County Training Schools Reunion Committee to be the guest speaker for their 2012 Class Reunion. It was an honor that Grady cherished for the rest of his life.

Grady Milton clearly understood at the time of his high school graduation in 1957 that in Alabama opportunities were limited for African American young people to advance educationally beyond high school graduation. He made an affirmative decision to leave rural Alabama and move to Boston, Massachusetts. It was in Boston that he continued to develop his skills in communicating effectively and cooperatively with people of diverse backgrounds. He also maintained his desire and determination throughout his early adulthood to attain a university-level education.  Among his academic and professional achievements were his Associate of Applied Science degree (1965) from Graham Junior College in Boston; and his Harvard Medical School Certificate for Personnel Management (1967). While fully employed he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from New Hampshire College (1979). He also attended the University of Massachusetts MPA studies in 1986 before receiving his Master’s degree in Education and Management from Cambridge College in Massachusetts in 1988. Grady’s professional career was comprised of a myriad of diverse jobs and positions in management and supervision in Massachusetts and upstate New York.

 Grady exhibited self-confidence as he consistently sought successful ways to achieve his personal goals. His lifestyle reflected his success and the results of his diligence. He enjoyed golfing especially during the early years of his retirement. He participated in many amateur golfing tournaments and won numerous trophies. When Grady retired in 2002, he had been Manager of the Unemployment and Health Insurance Division of Employment and Training for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Grady Milton worked earnestly at truly making his life “An African American Success Story”.

 His high caliber of community volunteer service included his being Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Roxbury Community School in Boston (1975-1978); and Massachusetts Parole Board Community Assistant (1976-1979). Throughout his life’s journey Grady Milton volunteered to coach football, baseball and golf through church organizations dedicated to providing children and young people with positive social outlets.

His first marriage was terminated in divorce. Years later he married Mary Alice Graham and they established their home together in Petersburg, Virginia. Grady was the father of three children. Until his illness and declining health, Grady was an active member and trustee of the Greater Faith AME Zion Church in Petersburg. Church membership and attendance were important to Grady.

After several years of illness, Grady died at his home in Petersburg on July 27, 2024 while being cared for by his devoted wife Mary Alice and the Crater Community Hospice Care Team.

In addition to his wife, his remaining family members are his sister Ms. Gloria Scott and his adult children Jennifer Phelps Milton; Gregory Milton and Marijke Milton. Also there are Grady’s grandchildren Asjha Simmons and Kolbe Phelps; and his great grandson Giovanni Simmons. Among others who will hold precious memories of Grady Milton are many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, church members and former colleagues.

His family will be present on Friday, August 16th  from 3-7 PM at the  RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Ontario Avnue, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Charles Walker officiating.

Interment in Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.

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