Joseph Anthony Grillo

Joseph Anthony Grillo, age 83, passed away peacefully in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 4, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Rivelli) Grillo. He spent his early years in Providence before settling in Warwick, Rhode Island with his family, where he graduated from Groton High School with the Class of 1955.  Following his graduation, Joseph enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country.  After receiving his training in Bainbridge, Maryland, Joseph was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Vulcan at Norfolk, Virginia, achieving the rank of Yeoman Third Class.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1958, Joseph returned to his hometown of Warwick and began taking classes at Brown University in Providence.

Joseph married his beloved wife, Jean A. Norton, on July 4, 1959 in Saint Kevin's Church in Warwick.  Together they made their home in Warwick, and Joseph began his career in Food Distribution.  In January of 1971, Joseph moved his family to the suburban town of Walpole, Massachusetts, as is career brought him to the Boston area.  He maintained his sales career for more than sixty years.

As a man dedicated to his faith, Joseph was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Hope Council in Rhode Island, where he held the position of Past Grand Knight. Joseph quickly found his spiritual home in Saint Mary's Church in East Walpole.  He served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary's for several years and was always willing to help his church and its parishioners with anything.

While he worked hard, Joseph knew how to enjoy life too.  He was a longtime member of the Walpole Country Club, looking forward to spending time on the course with his fellow members.  He and Jean shared a wonderful relationship together, enjoying many cruises throughout the world.  Most of all, Joseph was a dedicated family man, who cherished the time he spent surrounded by his wife and children.

Joseph leaves a legacy of hard work, love, and kindness.  He was always there to lend a helping hand or give sound advice to anyone who knew him, kind to many... loved by all...

Beloved husband of Jean A. (Norton) Grillo.
Loving father of Joseph A. Grillo Jr. of Walpole, Julie Grillo McCreary and her husband, Jeffrey McCreary, of Dedham, and Jill Ann Grillo of Dedham.
Brother of the late Frank Grillo and his surviving wife, Donna, of Florida and the late Shirley Langlais and her husband, George.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Joseph's visitation on Monday, November 9, 2020 from 9 to 10:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  

Joseph's Funeral Mass and interment in Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole will take place privately.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Boston Children's Hospital 300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115.