Obituary of Grant K Schilling

Grant Kristofer Schilling age 64 died in his home on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; son, Tyler Caine Schilling; daughter-in-law, Zoe Ozment; son, Cooper Storm Schilling; brother, Dale Schilling; sister, Tami Haring; and his faithful dog, Sawyer.  

A ‘Celebration of Life Ceremony’ will be held at Lownes Funeral Home on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 1pm with visitation beginning at Noon.

To say that Grant was a free spirit, a lover of life, and a true force would be too easy. He was all of that and so, so, so much more . . . 

Grant was a little boy who grew up on Chippewa Road in the Andorra section of Philadelphia. He developed his love of nature there, exploring the forest and the Wissahickon creek with his lifelong friend, Greg Holley. In High School, Grant’s creative force was evident early. He was a connoisseur of music, and played the guitar with his dear friend, John Sweeney. He earned his BFA in Sculpture from Kutztown University. In these college years, he produced a beautiful collection of pottery and sculpture, and he met the love of his life Leslie.

Grant was the center of his family. He loved his boys, Tyler and Cooper, with a palpable intensity. He was close with his brother Dale, his sister Tami and his many nieces and nephews as well as their children. He was the life of every party and man, could he dance! He truly loved people and effortlessly formed deep, meaningful connections with just about anyone he met. He was passionate and unfiltered with his feelings.

Grant worked in construction, a Union 57 member for 31 years - the majority of this time working for JPC Group. During his career he had a reputation as a dedicated worker and he forged many wonderful friendships with his co-workers, his boss and anyone he encountered on the job.  Grant would proudly say as he drove in and around Philadelphia, “I worked there, and there and there and there….” Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, University of Pennsylvania, and The Philadelphia Art Museum just to name a few.  Just recently many wonderful people stepped forward to express their love and support for Grant, texting or paying a visit to recall a memory, tell a funny story, speak of his uniqueness and special qualities. When work was over each day and Grant was home, he loved to talk about his day to his family and friends describing the work in great detail, but more about how the day included supporting one another, having each other’s  backs,  making a great connection , maybe telling a joke and possibly having a bit of fun. Grant thrived on connecting with people and he did this with so much love.

Unperturbed by notions of inhibition Grant wore wide-brimmed hats, neck scarves, suspenders, crazy wool sweaters and handbags for their sheer practicality. He was always hot. He was a hard worker, and always had an idea. He turned his home into a living art exhibit, showcasing his collections and curious in the ornate, curving walls of his gardens. His Halloween costumes and displays were the crowning-jewel of the neighborhood. He had the best-dressed Christmas trees you’ve ever seen. 

He appreciated the natural world with unabided passion and a true reverence. His communion with nature was profound and spiritual. Grant had an encyclopedic knowledge of trees and plants and was endlessly fascinated by the magic of cultivating unique species. He made friends with the bees. He was a steward of the Box Turtles. Grant loved the water. He seemed happiest on the beach with sandy legs and a reel in hand or adrift in a canoe. He loved a good meal and nurtured his vegetable garden, ever replete with hot peppers, to fuel his culinary exploits. His admiration of the female form was deep and celebrated through the curvy-figured machinations of his art.

Grant approached the world with a sense of wonder. He was fascinated by the unknown. Always speculating about what else was out there. He was enchanted by the idea extra-terrestrials, psychic connections, and the afterlife. He opened himself up to connecting with other dimensions. He leaves an emptiness with all who knew him, but he will be back to visit us in some form – there is no doubt.