Joseph P. Grayeb

Joseph P. Grayeb, former Chief of Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Association and law enforcement officer with the Ellington Police Department, passed suddenly on Friday, November 12, 2021.

When asked by anyone how he was, Joe typically smiled and responded, “living the dream.” For Joe, this meant serving and protecting others. Born May 11, 1967, Joe grew up in Oakville and attended Kaynor Tech in Waterbury before moving to Rocky Hill in 1983 with his parents and siblings. He graduated as an auto mechanic from Vinal Technical High School and started working at Valenti Chevrolet before joining the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles as a fleet mechanic. While ensuring state vehicles operated safely, he graduated from the Connecticut Police Academy and became a Department of Motor Vehicles Inspector. For 29 years, Joe ensured trucks and buses on Connecticut highways were safely operated. He studied, became a certified EMT and joined the RHVAA in 1987. For 35 years at the RHVAA, Joe volunteered thousands of hours, often scheduled 40 hours per week and sleeping at the ambulance headquarters, ready to respond calmly and compassionately to emergency calls. During his nine years as Chief, Joe’s tireless efforts put the members first and ensured the association was always prepared to provide the best care for Rocky Hill residents. One of the qualities of Joe’s life was putting the needs of everyone else before himself. For the last four years, Joe co-coordinated the Santa Express deliveries to children in town with his dear friends Karen Halligan and Drew O’Connor. In addition to his full-time work with the state and volunteering with RHVAA, Joe worked countless hours for 22 years as a police officer, protecting and helping residents in Ellington. His humorous, calm, and approachable way of speaking with people made him a favorite in the community. Always ready to listen, Joe encouraged, guided, and mentored those interested in contributing and helping others in a positive way. His impact on this world was also felt at home. From his earliest days at the RHVAA, Joe met and married the love of his life Vivian (Allen). Together for more than 30 years, they raised their children Jason and Kristen. They joyfully saw their family grow with the arrival of Kris’ son Blake, as well as Jay’s marriage to Kelly (Tynan) and the birth of their son, Cameron.

He is also survived by his mother Madeleine Grayeb of Wethersfield, his sister Cate Evans of South Windsor, his brothers Mike Grayeb of Larchmont, NY, Glen Grayeb and wife Sarah of Darien, three nephews and a niece: Joe and Phil Evans and Emma and Jack Grayeb. He was predeceased by his father, Edward G. Grayeb. He also leaves behind his best friends, Cheryl DeWalt and Dave Motowidlak.

He was the son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, teacher, role model, leader, and public servant who could be relied on for help, for humor, and for unending concern for others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, November 19th in St. Josephine Bahkita Church, St. James Campus, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will be private. Family and friends are invited to the Giuliano-Sagarino Funeral Home at Brooklawn, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill on Thursday, November 18th from 3-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice are appreciated. For online guestbook, please visit www.Brooklawnfuneralhome.com