Rocco D. Grillone, 85
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Rocco Dominic Grillone, 85, of 185 Lindley Terrace died peacefully Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at home.
Born in Waterloo, N.Y., on Aug. 17, 1923, son of Anthony and Mary Qualtieri Grillone, his family moved to North Adams in 1936 and he attended St. Joseph's School and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1942.
A decorated Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European theater, seeing action in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze campaign stars, the Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter's Badge and World War II Victory Medal.
Mr. Grillone was employed as a machinst by the former GE in Pittsfield for 19 years, retiring in 1988. Prior to that, he worked at the former Cornish Wire Co. and its successor, General Cable Corp., for 20 years, seven of those as a department manager.
He was a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church in North Adams. He was a member of the VFW and a life member of the American Legion. He also was a member of the Greylock Club in North Adams and the Northern Berkshire Retired Men's Club and enjoyed classical music. He was an avid bowler and loved sports, especially football, horse racing and the New York Yankees. His family was his life, and he will be missed.
His wife, the former Mary Lopreta, whom he married Aug. 2, 1947, died Jan. 12, 2008.
He leaves a daughter, MaryJane Malone and her husband, William, with whom he resided; a son, the Rev. Francis Grillone and his wife, the former Valerie Bushika, of Reidsville, N.C.; a brother, Peter Grillone of North Adams; seven grandchildren, Hunter Grillone of Charlestown, N.H., Bryan Grillone of Rossville, Ga., Courtney Young of Georgetown, Adam Grillone of Greensboro, N.C., Katie Groetschel of Ruffin, N.C., Tamara and Owen Grillone of Reidsville; four great-grandchildren, Makenna and Sophia Grillone, Madison and Liberty Groetschel, and fifth one expected in March, and nieces and nephews.
Three brothers and one sister are deceased, Natalie "Connie" Accetta, and Frank, Dominic and Leo Grillone.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mr. Grillone will be Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11 from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery in North Adams.
Calling hours at the funeral home will be Monday, Aug. 10, from 4 to 7.