Kevin Grimmer Obituary: Coach Kevin Grimmer is survived by his parents, Jim and Maureen, his wife, Sheila Evans, and their three children, Nick, Megan, and Alex. He is survived by six grandkids. He died on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the age of 64. The athletics scene at SUNY Polytechnic Institute will never be the same again with the death of a great, long-serving coach and athletic director. Grimmer excelled as a basketball player in his early years, attending Notre Dame High School in Utica and then Hamilton College.
After transitioning from playing to coaching and management, he made substantial contributions to SUNY Institute of Technology/SUNY Polytechnic Institute. His stint at SUNY Poly began in 1984 when he worked as a part-time intramural assistant and assistant men’s basketball coach. In about a year, he was appointed full-time assistant director of athletics.
Grimmer’s dedication at SUNY Poly spanned 15 years, as he served as sports director until retiring in July 2021. His coaching legacy included both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. In addition to basketball, he has coached golf and women’s volleyball.
Coach Kevin Grimmer’s Obituary and Death Are Linked to ALS
Kevin Grimmer died peacefully in his home on Monday, November 6, 2023, after a struggle with ALS. ALS gradually deteriorates a person’s ability to perform basic motions and tasks by attacking nerve connections. In most instances, people die within five years after obtaining a diagnosis.
He was 64 years old and had just been diagnosed with this uncommon neurological disorder, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Kevin’s life will be remembered at calling hours on Friday, November 10, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Friedel, Williams, & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services. On Saturday, November 11, a liturgy will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church to commemorate Kevin’s life.
Kevin Grimmer’s Court
Dr. Winston Soboyejo, President of SUNY Poly, expressed tremendous sadness over his death. He proceeded,
“We send our condolences to the Grimmer family and the hundreds of student-athletes, coaches, coworkers, and friends whose lives he impacted. His impact on our campus extends well beyond sports, and we are honored to recognize him via the Kevin Grimmer Fund for Wildcat sports and The Kevin Grimmer Court at Campus Centre.”
He also mentioned that Kevin and his family’s legacy would continue at SUNY Poly for future generations. In recent months, the school has honored Grimmer in a variety of ways. During the summer, the basketball court at Campus Centre Gym was renamed in his honor. Furthermore, the logo will be unveiled before the November 15 home opener. Furthermore, earlier this autumn, family, friends, and community members gathered to honor his life.
