BELFAST – Chester “Chet” C. Grady, 100, passed away June 29, 2008, in Belfast. He was the son of Frank Grady and Abiah (Colcord) Grady. He lived in the home on Tufts Road, where he was born 100 years ago, and was proud to relate that he slept in the same bedroom where he was born. Chet attended the Pitcher School and graduated from Crosby High School in 1926, where he participated in all sports. He was a star athlete in basketball, football, baseball and track. He trained during his lifetime to be able to care for his health. He led a very productive life and set goals for himself, which he successfully attained. After graduating from Crosby High School, he planned to further his education. As this period of time was during the Great Depression when jobs and finances were at a premium, he worked for years at any available job: cutting wood, driving truck, filling in at the post office and other days on a farm. Finally he saved money to enroll in Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, where he learned welding and machine work that complemented the blacksmithing he had learned from his father. After 1932 he returned to Belfast. He had been offered a teaching position at Wentworth, but Maine and home beckoned him back to his roots, where he had accomplished another goal – to establish a machine shop. He built Grady Machine Shop, where he was a fine artisan and a great help for all of his customers. Chester was a loyal supporter for his community. He was a member of Belfast Masonic Lodge for more than 55 years; served 22 consecutive years on Belfast City Council; and later 10 years as a Waldo County Commissioner. He was a true gentleman and a loyal friend. He reached his last goal! He celebrated his 100th birthday March 7 and on May 3 was honored at a gala birthday party at the Belfast Boathouse, where much praise was given to him for his strength of character, integrity, honesty and help to others throughout his lifetime. He was proclaimed to be citizen of the century! He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine, who was his constant help and “teammate” for more than 60 years; his children; son, Croll of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Mary and David Clark of Belfast and Nancy and Steve Weitz of Ashland, Mass.; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins. The family wishes to thank all who have been so kind and helpful during his last illness. Much praise goes to the wonderful care he received at Harbor Hill and Waldo County Home Health group. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at First Church, Belfast, with the Rev. Richard Reynolds officiating. Family and friends are invited to a gathering in the fellowship hall immediately after the service. Private burial will be at Grove Cemetery, Belfast. For those who wish to honor Chester, it is suggested that donations be made to Chester and Josephine Grady Scholarship Fund, care of Bangor Savings Bank, 7 Belmont Ave., Belfast, ME 04915, attention: Kristy Richardson. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.