John "Peter" Grady

John "Peter" Grady age 66, of Duluth, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in his sleep on Friday, September 11, 2026. Peter was born August 28, 1960, in Duluth to John V. and Patricia T. Grady.

He was the youngest of six children, five years younger than the rest. So when he came home from the hospital, the children of Grandview Avenue lined the street to welcome their newest neighbor. Beyond that memorable arrival, Peter was not much of a fan of crowds.

His first job after high school was as a repairman at Mount Royal Manor Apartments. This led to a life as being everybody’s fix-it friend. Peter could repair anything, and he always showed up when somebody needed a hand. He went on to work as a roughneck in the Wyoming oil fields before returning home to work in road construction. For 38 years, he was a proud member of Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 1091. He took real pride in his work. When driving around town, he would often point out what he had helped build.

He loved downhill skiing. His smooth, effortless style led his four sisters to nickname him “Stein” in honor of Norwegian Olympic skiing star Stein Eriksen. Peter also loved riding his Harley, which carried him on adventures across the country, from California to Florida.

He had a fondness for large second-hand cars that he called “boats.” He especially favored his Cadillac Fleetwood. He loved games, too, and was known to beat nearly everyone at checkers, cribbage, and cards, including some of his teachers during his days at Central High School.

Most of all, Peter was a kind soul and a modest man. He was always happy and never complained. He was a man of few words. A good listener, when he did speak he had something thoughtful to say. His reflective aphorisms became part of the family vocabulary.

He never had a bad word for anyone, except perhaps a politician or two. He was frugal, proud of it, and content with a low-key life built around work, family, friends, simple pleasures, and helping others.

In retirement, Peter became an avid golfer. He played nine of the 10 days before his death. Peter lived peacefully, and he died peacefully.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John V. and Patricia T. Grady. He is survived by his sisters, LouAnn (Charles) Aspoas, Cathy (Jim) McGregor, Patti Grady, and Paula (Ted) Chelgren; his brother, Tim (Ampy) Grady; nieces and nephews, Jessie Aspoas, Casey (Scott) Luostari, Sally (Brandon) McGregor, and Grady (Sophie) McGregor; and grandnieces and grandnephews, Anja Hellekant and Vince, Max, and Evelyn Luostari.

A Visitation will be held from 4-6pm on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth. The Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22nd, at Dougherty Funeral Home. Burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are of one’s own choosing.