Kevin Grimmer Obituary: Coach Kevin Grimmer is survived by his parents, Jim and Maureen, his wife, Sheila Evans, and three children: Nick, Megan, and Alex. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
He passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the age of 64.
After the loss of a legendary, long-serving coach and athletic director, the sports landscape at SUNY Polytechnic Institute will never be the same.
During his formative years, Grimmer excelled as a basketball player at Notre Dame High School in Utica and later at Hamilton College.
Transitioning from a playing career to coaching and administration, he made significant contributions at SUNY Institute of Technology/SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
His journey at SUNY Poly began in 1984 when he started as a part-time intramural assistant and assistant men’s basketball coach. In just a year, he was the full-time assistant director of athletics.
Grimmer’s commitment to SUNY Poly extended over 15 years, where he served as the athletics director before retiring in July 2021.
His coaching legacy extended to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Beyond basketball, he also lent his expertise to golf and women’s volleyball coaching.
Coach Kevin Grimmer Obituary And Death Linked To ALS
Kevin Grimmer passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, November 6, 2023, after a battle with ALS.
ALS slowly deteriorates a person’s capacity to carry out fundamental movements and functions by targeting their nerve connections.
In the majority of cases, individuals pass away within five years of receiving a diagnosis.
He was 64 years old and had recently received the diagnosis of this rare neurodegenerative condition, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
To commemorate Kevin’s life, a gathering will take place during calling hours on Friday, November 10, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services.
A mass celebrating Kevin’s life will take place on Saturday, November 11, at St. John the Evangelist Church.
Kevin Grimmer Court
The President of SUNY Poly, Dr. Winston Soboyejo, stated that the news of his passing deeply saddened them.
He continued,
“Our hearts go out to the Grimmer family and the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched. His legacy on this campus goes far beyond athletics, and we are proud to honor him through the Kevin Grimmer Fund for Wildcat Athletics and The Kevin Grimmer Court at Campus Center.”
He also stated that the legacy of Kevin and his family will live at SUNY Poly for many generations to come.
In recent months, the school has paid tribute to Grimmer in various ways.
During the summer, the college renamed the basketball court in his honor at the Campus Center Gym.
Furthermore, the school will unveil the logo before the home opener on November 15.
Moreover, earlier in the fall, family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate his life.
