Peter Granger (1953 – 2007)

Touching and teaching thousands, Peter was an inspirational fifth grade teacher at Northside School in Fairport for over 30 years.  He lived and grew up in Fairport and graduated from FHS in 1971.  He was a baseball coach in the Fairport School District for 29 years, 11 of those as the FHS Varsity Head Coach (188 wins – 79 losses).  He led his teams to 7 Monroe County Division titles, 3 Section V AAA Championships, and the first trip to the New York State Baseball Championship Final Four in 2006.  Coach Granger was named Monroe County Baseball Coach of the Year three times and All-Greater Rochester Coach of the Year in 2007.

Though Peter's record and on-field accomplishments are impressive, he will be remembered most as a coach for the positive impact he had on the lives of his student-athletes. He epitomized what is meant by the term "teacher-coach" because he took great pride in working with all his players while he taught them the valuable life lessons that can be learned through participation in sports. In 2005 Peter received the Dave Martens Coach of the Year Award from the Fairport Athletic Department. This award is presented annually to a varsity coach who has demonstrated dedication, commitment and excellence in the Fairport Central School District's athletic program. The recipient is viewed as a model of teaching, leadership and sportsmanship – all valued characteristics respected by coaches, athletes and parents alike.

Peter will also be remembered for the caring positive experience he provided to each student in his classroom, whether they were an exceptional student or struggled with learning challenges.  Every student in his classroom knew how much Peter cared about them as a person and cared about their success in their education.  Peter would remember each student he taught when he saw them in the mall, at the high school, or in Myrtle Beach.  They all came to say hello to him and he remembered each of them.

Peter was the ultimate Red Raider and was proud to have worn the Fairport school colors both as a student-athlete and as a coach. Fairport was as important to him as he was to Fairport.  His record speaks to his excellence as a coach and a teacher, but more importantly he was a quality man whose legacy is rich and will live on in the lives of those he touched.  Peter Granger's character embodied the Fairport Spirit and he will be sorely missed by our Fairport Family.