Nicholas J. Grillo Jr.

Waterford - Nicholas J. Grillo Jr., 70, of Quaker Hill, passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with Mesothelioma.

He was born on March 14, 1943, in New London, the son of Nicholas J. and Lena (May) Grillo. Nicholas married his beloved wife, Gail, on Jan. 15, 1981 and together they shared 32 wonderful years together. He was a classic car enthusiast. He owned and worked on many cars over the years. He completely rebuilt a 1935 Chevy with help from his cousin, Jimmy Macione and his friend, Fred Serluca.

His favorite past times were traveling to car shows with his friends, the Dawleys; along with gardening and cooking. He was always comparing recipes with friends. He was also known for his quick hand at the Italian Dramatic Club card nights and for his competitive winning ways at his late night card games with friends.

Nicholas served in the National Guard HQ detachment 192nd engineers. He retired from the City of New London Water Department. He was also a member of the Italian Dramatic Club of New London, as well as the New London Lodge of Elks.

He is survived by his wife, Gail (Belyea) Grillo of Quaker Hill; a sister, Donna McGrath, and her daughters, Lauri McGrath and Traci Belcher, and great-niece, Sonya Belcher; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, c/o Mary Hesdorffer, 1317 Kings St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign the guestbook, or to share a memory.