Setting up a lasting legacy
Joseph Granio has spent his life serving his community and family. After serving in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam, teaching in Gilbert for decades, and raising a beautiful family, he has comfortably enjoyed retirement for the last several years. But in Joseph’s heart, he wants to leave a legacy that will persevere after he passes, and that’s why he made estate plans with St. Vincent de Paul.
Joseph is an Arizona native. Originally from Yuma, he graduated high school there, then attended college at ASU where he met his wife Margaret. She quickly became the love of his life, and they were married for 55 years until her passing in 2019. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted, so he chose to join as an officer in the Air Force.
When he was discharged from the military, he wanted to make an impression on the younger generation, so he taught agriculture and sponsored the Future Farmers of America club at Gilbert High School for 40 years. He also raised a family with Margaret, with a son and a daughter who are active in his life and bring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to visit him often.
Now, Joseph is 83 years old and in the final act of his life. While he’s not letting that slow him down, he is starting to consider end-of-life plans, including what to do with his assets.
“I knew that it’s something that had to be done,” Joseph said. “I knew that I was going to give money, and I wanted it to go to help people and my fellow veterans.”
That’s when he thought of St. Vincent de Paul.
A lifelong Catholic, Joseph has known about and donated to SVdP for more than 50 years. He knows firsthand how much care SVdP takes in its programs and finances. It’s one of the things he trusts most about the organization.
“SVdP follows through,” he said. “Every time I hear something about SVdP, it's about them following through on something.”
Joseph particularly loves that SVdP has special provisions for veterans, such as its shelter, Ozanam Manor, having beds set aside specifically for veterans, and hosting special events on Veterans Day. He was even able to earmark his future donation to specifically support the veterans in Ozanam.
That’s why he chose to leave $10,000 for St. Vincent de Paul from his trust fund.
“My money is hard to come by and to give out, but I don't mind giving it when I know that the money is going to help my brothers and sisters,” he said.
Even though Joseph has many years ahead of him, it brings him reassurance knowing that his estate is in order, and that it is going to leave a legacy in an organization that has made an impact on his life and countless others.
“I’d like to thank SVdP for making my life more meaningful,” he said. “I don't know what type of person I would have been if I hadn't gotten involved with SVdP.”
If you'd like to learn more about estate planning or leaving a legacy at SVdP please contact Charles Putbrese.
