Gary was a passionate educator who valued life-long learning and continually built upon his wide array of skills and talents. Gary loved computers, advancing technologies, and building educational systems to increase understanding of our universe. Throughout his career, he led teams to build Information Technology infrastructure and created learning centers so that others could enjoy and share in his passion for education.

Gary had a wide network of community connections and was a committed member and volunteer for several non-profit organizations throughout the Piedmont. Gary proudly served as a board member of the North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) where he also volunteered for many years as the Director of Anytown, donating a full week every summer to help build stronger community connection within our local youth. Gary was also an active and committed member of Temple Emanuel, where he served as past Brotherhood President and founding member of the Shofar Chorale, where he proudly blew Shofar on High Holidays with his Granddaughter. Gary was also a devoted member and Sergeant-at-Arms of his local Rotary Club of Greensboro.

Gary was born at a very young age in Detroit, Michigan (he loved that joke), where he was able to build on a wide array of experiences and passions that would stay with him for a lifetime. As a young man, Gary worked at the Ford Motor Company until he realized that they had switched to manufacturing explosives. Gary graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit and would proudly exclaim this fact whenever he watched the movie, Beverly Hills Cop, where Eddie Murphy's character wore his Mumford Physical Education T-Shirt. Gary continued his educational journey at the University of Michigan as a Physics major, earned his Master of Education degree from Wayne State University, and his PhD in Educational Evaluation and Measurements from the University of Connecticut.

With a strong understanding of computer science and the power it brings, Gary was able to help several institutes of higher learning develop the necessary infrastructure for computing. Gary served as an Associate Director of Computing at University of South Florida, climbed the ladder at UNCG from Director of Computing to Associate Vice Chancellor, after which he served as Principal Emeritus (and Headmaster) of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro. In retirement, Gary rekindled his model-building hobby and became an accomplished guitar luthier, as he crafted and painstakingly restored several guitars in his living room and garage. Above all else, Gary loved his family. He instilled his values and love for the world in every aspect of his life, his teachings, and his actions.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of over 52 years, Dr. Jane Rosen-Grandon, his children Ben (Keli) Grandon and Jessie (Andy) Schlosberg, and grandchildren Samantha and Jacob. He will also be missed greatly by his dogs, Winter and Lucy, who have always been by his side. He is survived by his brother, Stanley (Barbara) Grandon, brother-in-law Richard (Dolly) Rosen, mother-in-law Vivian Rosen, and nephews Jeremy (Paula) Grandon, Jonathan (Sea) Grandon, Peter Grandon, Jonathan (Gretter) Rosen, Adam Rosen and David Rosen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Grandon and Sylvia Grandon Goldstein.

Gary always had a passion for life, music and family. He was able to remain calm in times of struggle and always seemed to possess an understanding of the world and its players. Continually pushing for a better tomorrow with the lessons of yesterday in his heart, Gary shared with the world his dream of a better future and the steps needed to get there. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be remembered and missed by all whose lives have been touched by him.

"Fare you well, fare you well, I love you more than words can tell".

Memorial Services will take place at Temple Emanuel 1129 Jefferson Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410 on Thursday, September 24 at 1:00pm.

Donations may be made to Temple Emanuel or North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) at 713 N. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Sep. 22, 2026.

Memories and Condolences for Gary Grandon

Sponsored by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Greensboro.

Expand the Memories and Condolences form.

Not sure what to say?

Submit Your Message

How do you know Dr. Gary Grandon? (Optional)

Family

Friend

Work

School

Other

From

Your Email (will not be displayed)

Get email updates for this page

Submit Your Message

16 Entries

Order Digital Guest Book

Group

Caurice & David Michaelson

Planted Trees

Plant Memorial Trees

Anita Meyer

September 25, 2026

My deepest condolences on the passing of a truly wonderful man and friend. I know my son Nate and Gary shared a wonderful connection through the Any town program. May Gary rest in peace. Anita Meyer

Liz Pinson

September 25, 2026

Gary was a wonderful Board member at Smith Associated Campus Ministries at UNCG. His kindness, passion, and generosity greatly impacted the lives of students here. We'll remember his smile, laughter, and insightful guidance. Our deepest condolences to Gary's family.

Donna Guinard

September 24, 2026

I always enjoyed my chats with Gary, and experiencing his enthusiasm as he showed me the guitars he was working on. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Irma and Harlan Brown

September 24, 2026

Our hearts ache over losing Gary. His voice, his humor, his wisdom will forever be in our memories. Grateful for every time we had together. Irma and Harlan send our love to you who carry on.

Kelly Marks

September 23, 2026

Gary was a wonderful man and such an inspiration with his work at AHA and Temple Emanuel. Always loved seeing Gary and stood beside him on Friday evening during the blessings after services with my hand on his shoulder during the prayers. He will be missed and has left an amazing legacy.

Dale Gurvis

September 23, 2026

I am sharing in your sadness as you all remember Gary. Wishing you peaceful moments in the days and weeks ahead. Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.

Stuckey Tom

September 23, 2026

We at the Greensboro Conversation Club are deeply saddened by the loss of Gary. He was an active discussant at our monthly meeting for many years and will be sadly missed! Condolences to his family

Haley Panzera

September 23, 2026

My heart breaks for you and your family. Gary always greeted me with such a warm smile every time we saw each other at Temple. He was a truly wonderful person, and the world feels a little less bright without him in it.

My deepest condolences to you, your family, and all the many lives he touched. May his memory always be a blessing.

Jim and Ricki McLaughlin

September 23, 2026

We played together, apart.
Now we mourn together, apart.
Our hearts break with yours.
Holding you with all our might.

Dr.Jerald & Bonni Askin

September 23, 2026

Gary and I had the pleasure of sharing a 60 year friendship that began at University of Michigan. As pledges at Phi Sigma Delta, we bonded with music , which was a lifelong passion of Gary´s. His thirst for knowledge was only eclipsed by the love he had for his family and life. We will miss you, Gary.

Chris Pehlke

September 23, 2026

I worked with Dr. Grandon at the American Hebrew Academy for several years. The smile depicted in the picture is very familiar and warm. That is how he greeted all. My condolences to Dr. Jane Rosen-Grandon and all of Dr. Grandon's family. It is a great loss. He was still a young man who loved life.

Gillah Tatar

September 23, 2026

Gary forever in our hearts- Tatar Family

Gilda Friedman

September 23, 2026

I´m still in shock of losing such an icon so early in his life of striving to perform tikkum olam( repairing the world). Gary was always the safe place when seeking calm in life´s many storms. I always counted on a belly laugh with him. His memory as well as positive impact on our community will live eternally. Much love for this precious family.

Barry Strulson

September 23, 2026

Founding member of the "Blue Glasses Band" playing at Temple Emanuel functions. Always great fun to be with, a quick wit and always a smile.

Chris Schuller

September 22, 2026

I would like to comfort the Grandon family with the traditional words of comfort.

May the Almighty comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting Gary but he and Jane looked after my daughter as their own when she was unable to come home for High Holidays , when she was at UNCG
Jane, our sincerest condolences to you and your family
May Gary rest in peace. z"l

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results