In Memory of Kevin Michael Grimmer

Obituary

We are heartbroken to share that Kevin Michael Grimmer, 64, of Utica, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, November 6, 2023, after a courageous struggle with ALS.

He was born to James and Maureen (Raymer) Grimmer on May 24, 1959. He spent his childhood in North Utica surrounded by his six siblings and many dear friends, especially Michael Durr, that he would go on to keep for life. In 1982, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Sheila Evans. This August, they celebrated 41 wonderful years of marriage.

Kevin attended St. Peter’s School, the start of his long and illustrious basketball career which continued at Notre Dame High School and Hamilton College, where he was named an NCAA Division III First Team All-American. His #44 jersey hangs in the rafters of the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House in recognition of his significant on-court accomplishments. Following his collegiate career, he played professionally in Birmingham, England in the English National Basketball Association from 1981-1982. His relationships with his coaches, especially Joe White and Tom Murphy, and too many teammates to include by name are ones he cherished throughout his life.

Kevin spent his career working in athletics at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (or as he always preferred to call it, SUNY Tech), serving as assistant athletic director, athletic director, and coach of several athletic programs, including both men’s and women’s basketball. His guidance and leadership shaped the athletic program and led to the creation of several athletic teams and facilities, resulting in numerous conference championships for the Wildcats. The 2009-2010 men’s basketball season, which included an unprecedented run to the college’s first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, held a special place in his heart, especially because he shared it with his sons - Nick as assistant coach, and Alex as a member of the team. The recent dedication of the basketball court at SUNY Poly’s Campus Center Gym in his name is a testament to his commitment and service to the programs and student-athletes that meant the world to him - many of whom became part of his extended family.

Kevin was truly larger than life, due to both his 6’7” stature and his passion and enjoyment for life. He loved to travel, to play golf, to work outside and around the house on endless home improvement projects, to eat good food at the best restaurants, and to enjoy happy hour or a good backyard fire. More than anything, what brought him the most joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. That ALS robbed him of the ability to enjoy what he loved in retirement is a cruel reality we’ll never fully understand.

Kevin’s greatest accomplishment and source of pride in his life was his family. He leaves behind his parents, Jim and Maureen, his wife Sheila, son Nick (Michelle), daughter Megan (Jeff DeHimer), and son Alex (Izzy Paganucci); six amazing grandchildren: Evan, Nolan, and Eliza Grimmer; and Avery, Jack, and Emily DeHimer; and many beloved siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Calling hours in honor of Kevin will be held on Friday, November 10 from 3pm-6pm at Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. A mass celebrating Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 12pm at St. John the Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Road, New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kevin’s honor to the Kevin Grimmer Fund for Wildcat Athletics, c/o the SUNY Poly Foundation, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502, www.sunypoly.edu/grimmer. Donation envelopes will be available at the services.

Sometime soon, please take a trip to your favorite local establishment, enjoy a cold beverage or two, and remember these words that Kevin recently wrote in a letter to his family:

“My life has been a great competition and I’ve done more than my share of winning. I really enjoyed it. I love you all.”

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.