Grant Wilson Sherritt, 93 years old, died peacefully on Tuesday May 17, 2016.

Grant was born in Hunter, ND, to Aaron Ray and Joice (Scarf) Sherritt on March 27, 1923. He grew up in Hunter, ND, on a pig farm, and Manitoba, Canada, where his uncle owned a copper mine. He attended North Dakota State College before enlisting in the US Navy. During WWII, he served three years on a PT boat in the South Pacific. Following the war, Grant received a BS from Iowa State, an MS from the University of Illinois, and a PhD from Penn State in Animal Husbandry.

Grant married Susie Carolyn Naaden on September 11th, 1949. They moved to State College where he had accepted a position at Penn State. He was an associate professor and researcher at Penn State with a focus on swine genetics and production for 35 years until his retirement in 1984. During his tenure at Penn State, he was a founding member of the Stockman's Club and served as an advisor to the Block and Bridle Club.

Grant loved babies and they loved him. His granddaughters especially remember that he always had time to play with them; particularly the Barbie game. They also enjoyed many trips to the hog barns at Penn State as a special time spent with their Papa. His patience was infinite and his joy was always apparent.

Grant was a member of the State College Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. He and Susie delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. He was a member of the Centre County Historical Society, a Docent at Centre Furnace Mansion, and a member of the Civil War Round Table. After retirement, he also audited many history classes at Penn State.

Grant was a voracious reader, and spent many hours reading to his children and grandchildren.

He was an avid fan of all Penn State sports. As a member and officer of the Penn State Wrestling Club, he and Susie often travelled with the club to cheer on the wrestlers.

He is survived by Susie, his wife of 66 years; his children: Carol Ritter, Alan Sherritt, Tracy (Rick) Gray; his grandchildren: Julie (Blair) Loebs, Erica (Ben) Spencer, Abby Gray, Zan (Todd) Bealmear, Kylie Sherritt: four great grandchildren and two great-great grandsons and a sister Zilla Way. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Robert, Rex and Donald Sherritt and Son in Law Marshall Ritter Jr.

Memorial donations can be made to the State College Presbyterian Church 132 W Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801 or State College Area Meals on Wheels P.O. Box 1235 State College, PA 16801.

A memorial service will be held at the State College Presbyterian Church on June 2, 2016, at 2pm with visitation to follow.

A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com