Kareem Octavia Grant

Kareem “King” Octavia Grant, of Middletown, died on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Middlesex Hospital.  Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late Willie F. Grant, Jr. and Lottie (James) Grant of Middletown.

Kareem lived in Middletown all his life.  He graduated from Saint Thomas Moore School in Oakdale Class of 2000.  He went on to Manhattan University transferring to Cuesta College in CA and then to LA City College graduating there with an associate degree and then attending Tennessee State University. 

Kareem played basketball in Mexico and then overseas.  When he came home, he worked at Gilead Services for over thirteen years and most recently at High Road School of Wallingford. He also continued his love of basketball by coaching in Middletown, New Haven and Portland.  Kareem also loved music, classic cars, dancing and being the life of the party.

Along with his mother, Kareem is survived by his son David Quinones of New Britain; two daughters Janeya Grant and Jazlyn Grant both of Portland; longtime friend and mother of his daughters Jessica McLellan; two brothers Christopher D. James and Kamua L. Grant both of Middletown; sister Sheanetta R. James of Middletown; Aunt Rev Earlene Grant of Middletown; Aunt Leslie Shell of Middletown; God sisters Christina Curry of Middletown and Fonda Davis and six nephews Jaquan, Rasan, Rakim, Dashaun, Christopher Jr. and Tyler.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, November 5th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 346 Butternut Street, Middletown followed by a funeral service at the church at 12:00 pm.  Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kareem’s memory may be made to Kareem O. Grant Children’s Fund @ https://gofund.me/a0f749fb7.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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