John Granara


John R. Granara was an American attorney who served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and as Special Sheriff of Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Early life

Granara was born on January 23, 1943, in Medford, Massachusetts. He graduated from Matignon High School, Boston College, and Suffolk University Law School.

Political career

From 1974 to 1977, Granara was a member of the Medford school committee. In 1976 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the 20th Middlesex district. Due to redistricting, he was forced to face fellow incumbent Angelo Marotta in 1978. He lost to Marotta 49% to 41%. When Marotta retired in 1988, Granara ran for the seat again, but lost in the Democratic primary to Anthony P. Giglio.
In 1996, Granara was a coordinator for James DiPaola's campaign for Middlesex County Sheriff. After DiPaola took office, Granara became the chief legal counsel to the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. Following DiPaola's suicide on November 26, 2010, Granara served as Special Sheriff of Middlesex County until the appointment of Peter Koutoujian by Governor Deval Patrick.

Death

Granara died on January 6, 2025, at age 81.