Obituary for John E. Grillo
John Grillo, 95, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away on January 24, 2023 after a brief illness.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Italian immigrants, John believed in hard work and personal responsibility as crucial to individual growth and achievement. His superb tailoring skills (could make anything from scratch) and an affinity for fashion led to a successful career in the garment industry as a patternmaker and designer. He enjoyed spending his time dancing: he was skilled at ballroom, square- and round-dancing. He also enjoyed going bowling or golfing (he taught many of his grandchildren to golf before the age of 10), as well as painting portraits and scenery. He loved the piano and played by ear. Most importantly to John, he loved spending time with his family, whether it be at their weekly Sunday dinner, a card game, or any other gathering.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Dorothy (nee Schultz), and his two daughters, Joan (Ronald) and Victoria. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: John (Gloria), Elizabeth (Joseph), Ryan (Kate), Michael (Kristin), Michaela (David) Caroline (Benjamin), and Alexandra (Rand), as well as eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicolo and Vita (nee Russo), his brothers Joseph and Rudolph, and his daughter Lisa.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 24th, at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, in Chesapeake. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service in the funeral home's reception facility. An internment ceremony will be held in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, in recognition of John’s service during World War II.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Italian immigrants, John believed in hard work and personal responsibility as crucial to individual growth and achievement. His superb tailoring skills (could make anything from scratch) and an affinity for fashion led to a successful career in the garment industry as a patternmaker and designer. He enjoyed spending his time dancing: he was skilled at ballroom, square- and round-dancing. He also enjoyed going bowling or golfing (he taught many of his grandchildren to golf before the age of 10), as well as painting portraits and scenery. He loved the piano and played by ear. Most importantly to John, he loved spending time with his family, whether it be at their weekly Sunday dinner, a card game, or any other gathering.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Dorothy (nee Schultz), and his two daughters, Joan (Ronald) and Victoria. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: John (Gloria), Elizabeth (Joseph), Ryan (Kate), Michael (Kristin), Michaela (David) Caroline (Benjamin), and Alexandra (Rand), as well as eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicolo and Vita (nee Russo), his brothers Joseph and Rudolph, and his daughter Lisa.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 24th, at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, in Chesapeake. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service in the funeral home's reception facility. An internment ceremony will be held in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, in recognition of John’s service during World War II.