Rocco D. Grillone

Rocco D. Grillone 1923 - 2009 WILLIAMSTOWN Rocco Dominic Grillone, 85, of 185 Lindley Terrace, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, peacefully at home. Born in Waterloo, N.Y., on Aug. 17, 1923, son of Anthony and Mary Qualtieri Grillone, the family came to North Adams in 1936. He attended St. Joseph's Parochial School and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1942. Rocco was a decorated veteran of World War II and served in the Army in the European Theater. He fought in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe, receiving the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Bronze Campaign Stars; Good Conduct medal; Sharpshooter Badge, and World War II Victory Medal. He worked at Cornish Wire and General Cable Corp. for 20 years, with seven years as a department manager, and was last employed as a machinist by General Electric Co. for 19 years until his retirement in 1988. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church, a member of the VFW, and a Life Member of the American Legion, the Greylock Club and the Retired Men's Club. Rocco was an avid bowler. He loved sports, especially football and horseracing. He was a New York Yankee fan and enjoyed classical music. His family was his life, and he will be missed. His wife was the former Mary Lopreta, who died Jan. 12, 2008. They were married on August 2, 1947. He leaves one daughter, MaryJane Malone, and her husband, William, of Williamstown, with whom he lived; one son, the Rev. Francis Grillone and his wife, Valerie Bushika Grillone, of Reidsville, N.C.; 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, N.C.; four great-grandchildren, Makenna and Sophia Grillone, Madison and Liberty Groetschel, and another great-grandchild, expected in March; one brother, Peter Grillone, of North Adams; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Frank, Dominic, and Leo Grillone, and one sister, Natalie "Connie" Accetta. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Rocco Grillone will be Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at 11 a.m. at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.