Donald “Greg” Grimes
0005877314-01-1.jpg Vietnam Veteran Donald Gregory “Greg” Grimes, 61, of Brownsville, PA (Centerville Boro.) died Monday May 31, 2010 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born December 29, 1948, in Uniontown, PA, a son of the late Donald E. Grimes and Lorraine Clark Rhodes of Smithfield, PA, who survives.
Mr. Grimes was a 1966 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School.
After his graduation, Greg enlisted the U.S. Army and became a member of the 384th Army Band at Ft. Eustis, Va. The band played in concerts and parades, and performed for President Lyndon Johnson when he toured the base.
Greg also served his country in some of the most fierce fighting of the Vietnam War including the Tet Offensive. For his Honorable Service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal and the First Class Unit Citation Badge.
In 2008, Mr. Grimes retired from Console Energy’s Eighty Four Mine as a Mine Examiner. His mining career spanned 32 years.
Mr. Grimes enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with, and entertaining his grandchildren by playing his saxophone. Greg was an avid history buff and was extremely proud of his service to our country.
He was a member of the Historic Church of St. Peter, Brownsville, V.F.W Post 7219 of Fairchance and the United Mine Workers of America.
On April 26, 1975 he married Helen “Bubbles” Shashura Grimes, who survives.
Surviving in addition to his wife and mother is a daughter, Amiee M. Nemani (Vijay) of Venetia, PA; one son, Brian A. Grimes (Tara) of Myersville, MD; three grandchildren: Leela, Nalin and Emery; one sister, Laurel Barber (Robert) of Stafford, VA: one niece and one nephew.
Deceased in addition to his father, is his Stepfather, Walter S. “Dusty” Rhodes.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the JOHN B. GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 2830 Main St., Beallsville, PA, where prayers will be said at 7:45 a.m. Friday June 4, 2010 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 a.m. in the Historic Church of St. Peter, Brownsville, PA with Rev. Vince Gigliotti as celebrant.
Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.
Full Military Rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army and the Hanson-Cole American Legion Post 391, Fredericktown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Development Dept. of Colon Cancer Research, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Suite 1-13, 5150 Center Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
Online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome. com.