Frank Grandel
Frank Grandel was born in Stony Creek, the youngest of eleven children. Educated in the Branford School System, Frank began his education at the Stony Creek Grammar School, where his uncle and name sake, Frank Grandel, attended many years earlier. At an early age Frank was exposed to the dignity and purpose of an educator, having these traits exemplified by his older sister, Mary Grandel Dow, a 2004 inductee of the Education Hall of Fame, who would be Frank's 5th grade teacher.
While attending high school, Frank developed a love of sports, playing varsity baseball for all four years. Upon graduation in 1941, Frank worked various jobs, still undecided as to what career to pursue. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Army as many of the Greatest Generation did. After serving for two and a half years in Europe he was honorably discharged in 1946 and shortly afterwards made the decision to enroll in the Health and Physical Education program at Arnold College where he graduated with a BS in 1949. In that same year Frank began his education career in Branford as the Director of Physical Education for the Elementary School System as well as Assistant Football Coach for Branford High. Later he would also become the Assistant Basketball Coach under Stan Petela and Assistant Baseball Coach under Gerry Crotty. One of the accomplishments Frank was most proud of was the honor of managing the Branford Townies, a semi-professional baseball team that reached the New England Semifinals, losing to Rhode Island by a score of 1-0. Some say the team of 1954 was the best Branford had ever seen.
After holding the Director of Physical Education position for seven years Frank accepted the position of Assistant Supervisor of Elementary Education in 1957. While holding these positions Frank continued his education, receiving a MA degree in Guidance and Social Studies from New York University and a MA degree in Education Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Frank's love for history would eventually lead him to teach this subject full-time at Branford High. As the Director of Drivers Ed., he taught many baby boomers to stay on our side of the road as well as to parallel park. Finally, a strong sense of purpose driven by his early value development caused Frank to accept the position of Assistant Principal which he held for eleven years. He was a strong advocate for teachers and students alike. Mr. Grandel took a special interest in those students headed in the wrong direction.
When shopping at Branford department or grocery stores, recognizing the last name, many of Frank's nieces or nephews are asked if they are related of Frank. When answering "yes" the response is always similar, "If it were not for your uncle I am not sure where my son or daughter would be today."
After forty-one years of public service, Mr. Grandel retired in 1990. Wishing to continue giving back to the community, Frank took the position of Vocation/Education Counselor for the State Criminal Justice Department in 1994, helping young adults to transition back into society and find suitable employment. Frank still holds this position today resulting in a remarkable sixty-one years as an educator and in community service. Frank still lives in Branford enjoying his four daughters, Gigi, Susie, Mallie and Vicky and his five grandchildren.
While attending high school, Frank developed a love of sports, playing varsity baseball for all four years. Upon graduation in 1941, Frank worked various jobs, still undecided as to what career to pursue. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Army as many of the Greatest Generation did. After serving for two and a half years in Europe he was honorably discharged in 1946 and shortly afterwards made the decision to enroll in the Health and Physical Education program at Arnold College where he graduated with a BS in 1949. In that same year Frank began his education career in Branford as the Director of Physical Education for the Elementary School System as well as Assistant Football Coach for Branford High. Later he would also become the Assistant Basketball Coach under Stan Petela and Assistant Baseball Coach under Gerry Crotty. One of the accomplishments Frank was most proud of was the honor of managing the Branford Townies, a semi-professional baseball team that reached the New England Semifinals, losing to Rhode Island by a score of 1-0. Some say the team of 1954 was the best Branford had ever seen.
After holding the Director of Physical Education position for seven years Frank accepted the position of Assistant Supervisor of Elementary Education in 1957. While holding these positions Frank continued his education, receiving a MA degree in Guidance and Social Studies from New York University and a MA degree in Education Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Frank's love for history would eventually lead him to teach this subject full-time at Branford High. As the Director of Drivers Ed., he taught many baby boomers to stay on our side of the road as well as to parallel park. Finally, a strong sense of purpose driven by his early value development caused Frank to accept the position of Assistant Principal which he held for eleven years. He was a strong advocate for teachers and students alike. Mr. Grandel took a special interest in those students headed in the wrong direction.
When shopping at Branford department or grocery stores, recognizing the last name, many of Frank's nieces or nephews are asked if they are related of Frank. When answering "yes" the response is always similar, "If it were not for your uncle I am not sure where my son or daughter would be today."
After forty-one years of public service, Mr. Grandel retired in 1990. Wishing to continue giving back to the community, Frank took the position of Vocation/Education Counselor for the State Criminal Justice Department in 1994, helping young adults to transition back into society and find suitable employment. Frank still holds this position today resulting in a remarkable sixty-one years as an educator and in community service. Frank still lives in Branford enjoying his four daughters, Gigi, Susie, Mallie and Vicky and his five grandchildren.