Reynaldo Granja
March 23, 1951 - October 25, 2022
Reynaldo Granja, 71, passed away to his eternal reward to be with Our Lord on October 25, 2022. After battling kidney cancer for three-plus years, Rey was comforted with his family by his bedside at his home in Murray, Utah. His example of courage and strength has touched many family and friends.
Reynaldo Granja was born March 23, 1951 to Emilio Sr. and Flora Granja in San Louis Potosi, Mexico. Rey was fourth out of nine children. Rey and his two older brothers would travel with their father to Texas to work on the farms. Rey began work at the early age of four. He was designated the 'water boy' to help the family with their farm work. When Rey was eight his family settled in the Chicago area.
After graduating from Farragut High School, Chicago in 1971, Rey went on to study mathematics/computers at University of Illinois. After graduation, Rey applied his computer skills with Sears, Roebuck & Co. at the Sears Tower, Chicago as a programmer. This launched a 39 year career in mainframe computer architecture with Sears/Discover Card.
Rey met Barbara at Sears, and in 1993 Rey married Barbara and went on to have two beautiful children, Garrett and Jenna. In 1994, many Discover Card employees relocated from Chicago to Salt Lake City, Utah. As a husband and father, Rey was exemplary as a provider, protector, and spiritual leader.
In 2016, Rey retired and spent his time enjoying his cabin with many friends & family in the beautiful Uinta Mountains. He also enjoyed skiing, hiking, horseback riding, garden landscaping, and making the best margaritas this side of the mountains.
Rey was predeceased by his father Emilio Sr. and brother Carlos. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Driscoll, his children, Garrett (Aliyah) and Jenna, his mother Flora Torres, brothers & sisters: Emilio Jr (Doris), Simon (Debbi), Elodia, Marina (Armando), Carmelo, Josie (Juan), Jose and countless nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 Creek Road, Cottonwood Height. A viewing will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the church. Rey will be laid to rest following mass at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and “T” Street, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed toward St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
In Loving Memory
Dear Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rey's passing. He was a true warrior in this battle, as were you. Rey was a great man and one I always admired. May you find peace in your memories and knowing how loved and respected he was. Sincerely, Robyn Schneider (Discover colleague)
I'm so sorry to hear about Rey's passing. I had so much love and respect for Rey. I was fortunate enough to work for him for a short time and with him for many years. He was one of the nicest people I know. May you find peace in your faith, your memories and each other.
Dear Barb and family, So sorry to hear about Rey's passing. I hold so many wonderful memories. He was such a wonderful, kind and loving man. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Barb and family - I am so sorry to hear about Rey. I had so much respect for Rey. He was so humble yet so incredibly talented! He was truly a man among men. May you all be comforted from the many wonderful memories you have. He will be missed by so many people. Scott Butler
Barb and family, I am so saddened by Rey's passing. What a wonderful man he was. May you and your family be comforted by all the memories you have with him.
Barb and Family, My deepest condolences. Rey was a wonderful man. He was an excellent boss, mentor and was always so helpful on the numerous occasions I had computer questions. I really enjoyed working with Rey. I also found him kind, generous and friendly. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Barb and family, I remember Rey as a warm, friendly and humble person, with a great sense of humor. I will always picture him outside at lunchtime in Chicago, enjoying the summer weather, and of course here in SLC as we established our homes in this beautiful place. I wish you peace and the blessings of fond and happy memories. xo
Barb and Family, I'm so sorry about the passing of Rey. Great guy. Always upbeat and funny. I pray that you and your family find strength and comfort that Rey's suffering is over and that he is now cradled in God's Loving Arms. With Love and Respect, Pat Machroli
Barb and family, I worked with Rey at Prime Option MANY MOONS AGO! Seeing this slide show is just how I remembered him. He had such an amazing smile!!!! There's very little I can say to comfort you at this time but I will always hold a soft spot in my heart for Rey. I remember him teaching me how to pronounce his name correctly! I'll never forget it! :) He was an amazing man. Hugs to all.
In Loving Memory
