Grant M. Marley

Grant M. Marley, of Littleton, MA, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023, after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Laura Spink Marley.

Born April 15, 1951, in Fitchburg, MA, Grant was the son of Betty (May) Marley Nacht and Ernest Richard Marley. Besides his wife, he is survived by sisters Katie and Jonathan Wienslaw of Kennebunk, ME, and Kerry and Jim Aho of Murfreesboro, TN. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Kevin Forrest, Amy Aho Porter, Tara Forrest, Jimmy Aho, Suzanne Aho, and Betsy Patel, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Linda Forrest.

Grant graduated from North Middlesex High School in Townsend, MA, in 1970. He continued his studies at New Mexico Highlands University and Kansas State University, finishing his education with a master’s degree in American History from Bowling Green University. He was a teacher for many years at different school systems in Massachusetts.

Grant’s joy in life was birding. He was involved with the re-introduction of Bald Eagles to Central Massachusetts, worked periodically for Massachusetts Audubon Society, and led birding trips to the North Shore, Central Massachusetts, and Cape Cod. Spring was spent leading birding trips at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge and Fall would find him hawk-watching at Mt. Wachusett.  As his eyesight diminished, he relied more and more on birding by ear, identifying birds by song and call, often before others with him could see the bird.

Grant was also a knowledgeable follower of Boston sports teams and English Premier League football. He entertained many over the years with his humor and stories. His calls to Fitchburg Radio as satirical “Johnny the Yankee” were legendary in his family.

As were his wishes, Grant was cremated with no service or calling hours. A life celebration will be held at a later date.

To make a memorial donation in Grant's name, please consider Massachusetts Audubon Society at https://web.massaudubon.org/site/Donation or Littleton Conservation Trust at https://littletonconservationtrust.org/donate/

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460   978-486-3709  www.badgerfuneral.com