Jack Grasso

JACK GRASSO - a Ridgefield resident of 42 years, artist and architectural designer, died peacefully at his home on September 17, 2005, with his wife and family by his side, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Jack was born in White Plains, NY on January 15, 1927, son of AJ Grasso and Josephine Mariano Grasso. Jack was a World War II Navy Seabees veteran, attached to the 3rd Marine Division 154 Combat Construction Battalion in Guam. In 1953, he married Carol Pankosky of Greenwich, CT and the couple lived in Stamford until they moved to Ridgefield in 1963. Jack worked as an architectural designer for his father's business, Grasso Construction, in Stamford until the mid-60's. Jack is well-known for his classic and timeless house designs and for designing and building the first garden apartment condominium in Stamford. Many beautiful homes in Ridgefield were designed by Jack.

At the age of 40, Jack left the business world and became a self-taught watercolor artist. Jack felt that only through art could he fully utilize and express his talents. His paintings have graced homes, galleries, commercial buildings, corporations, and private collections here and abroad, including The Mystic Seaport Maritime Gallery in Mystic, CT. Jack loved to share his work and appreciated that others valued them so personally. Jack credits much of his success to the mentoring of Alexander Ross and Harry Bennett. Jack was honored by the Hudson Valley Art Association and received the prestigious Lever House Award. Jack was featured as the First Honorary Artist in Residence for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut's 2001 Art Festival, an annual benefit hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Jack gave 25 years of donations to Hospice Fundraising.

It was a great source of joy for Jack that his paintings have been donated or auctioned for charity. He was most passionate about donating to the music and performing arts departments at Ridgefield High School.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of 52 years and his children Greg and his wife Karen of Pocatello, Idaho, Rob and his wife Laura of Ridgefield, Mickey and his wife Darcy of Bethel, Steven of New York City, David and wife Cindy of Charlestown, New Hampshire, Missy Galante and her husband Frank of Newtown, and Kate Bellagamba and her husband Andy of Newtown. Jack and Carol's lives changed with the unexpected death of their son, John, in April 2004. Jack has been blessed with 29 wonderful grandchildren who adore their Grandpa. Jack and Carol celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2003, surrounded by their eight children, spouses, grandchildren, and family. Jack treasured his wife and children and was very proud of each of them. A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all, Jack will be remembered for his sweet nature and dear, giving heart.

A mass of Christian burial will celebrated on Saturday, September 24 at 10:15 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Ridgefield. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, on Thursday and Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jack Grasso Memorial Scholarship Fund for the music and arts departments at Ridgefield High School, c/o Ridgefield Bank, 150 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 or to The Regional Hospice Home Care Program, 405 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.