Francis M. Grier FITCHBURG -- Francis M. Grier, 81, of 29 Merriam Parkway, and South Yarmouth, a retired Fitchburg Fire Department Deputy Chief, died Friday, Nov. 19, in HealthAlliance Hospital/ Leominster, after a brief illness. He was born in Fitchburg on June 21, 1923, the son of Edward and Delia (McTighe) Grier and lived here all of his life. Mr. Grier was a member of the Fitchburg Fire Department for 32 years, joining the department in 1947 as a Private. In 1952, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1966 to Captain and in 1978 he became a permanent Deputy Chief, retiring in 1979. Also, Mr. Grier and his brother John, owned a fuel oil delivery business, Grier Fuel Co. on Sheldon Street in Fitchburg for 15 years. He was a veteran of World War II, U.S. Army Signal Corp and served in the Persian Gulf. He attended St. Bernard's Elementary School and was a 1941 graduate of St. Bernard's Central Catholic High School. He was a member of St. Camillus de Lellis Parish in Fitchburg, the Fitchburg Fire Fighters Benefit Association and the Association of Retired State and Municipal Employees. He enjoyed fishing and especially golf and was a member of Monoosnoc Country Club and the Bass River Golf Club on Cape Cod. He was also a lifelong Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and an avid reader. Mr. Grier and his wife, Grace, gave loving care to a total of five foster children for several years and unselfishly brought others into their hearts and home. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Grace A. (Vitunskas) Grier; one son, James F. Grier of South Glastonbury, Conn.; and several nieces and nephews. He predeceased by two brothers, John J. Grier of Fitchburg, who died in 1999 and Harold Grier of Hyannis, who died in 1983. GRIER -- On Nov. 19, Francis M. Grier, 81, of 29 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, from the Fitchburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, (www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net) 129 Elm St., Fitchburg, with a Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Camillus de Lellis Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg. Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Fitchburg. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions made to the Fitchburg Fire Fighters Relief Association, 33 North St., Fitchburg, Mass. 01420 and may be left at the funeral home. Published in the Sentinel & Enterprise from 11/21/2004 - 11/22/2004. Guest Book . Flowers . Charities