The Rev. Dr. John Millard Grenfell, 76, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018, in hospice care at his daughter’s home in Marlborough, MA, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. John was born in Bethel, CT, to Dr. Clarine (Coffin) Grenfell and the Rev. Jack Grenfell.

John attended Drew University and received doctorates from Yale University School of Divinity and Boston University School of Theology. John was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church and served churches in Newtown, CT; Derby, CT; Brooklyn, NY; Staten Island, NY; Guilford, ME;  South Portland, ME; Athens, ME; Melrose, MA; Plainville, MA; and West Springfield, MA. John also served an appointment as a Pastoral Counselor doing psychotherapy for 18 years, much of it to underprivileged communities who paid in work-trade, or as pro-bono work. 

John is survived by daughters Tamarleigh Grenfell, Dr. Tallessyn Grenfell-Lee, Dr. Trelawney Grenfell-Muir, Trevanna Grenfell, son Trevanion Grenfell; granddaughters Telynia and Leyalyn Grenfell-Lee, Endelyn and Zawna Grenfell-Muir; and sisters Rev. Lornagrace Grenfell and Pamela Grenfell Smith. 

Rev. Dr. John M. Grenfell wrote over 200 beautiful songs, hymns, and carols, with powerfully creative and inspiring lyrics and music for a new millennium of mystical exploration and communal faith. These songs arose from his decades of work in pastoral ministry, pastoral counseling/therapy, parenting, and his Celtic Methodist heritage. Rev. Dr. Grenfell dedicated his life to helping others, and as a memorial to his decades of generous service, his children plan to organize and distribute his popular and beloved music to all communities who will use it as a source of comfort, wisdom, inspiration, and healing, including hospice organizations, chaplains, churches, youth camps, and other communities of spiritual formation.