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Nicholas Grinaldo Obituary

Grinaldo, Nicholas H. COHOES Nicholas H. Grinaldo, 92, passed away Friday evening, November 9, 2012 at the Eddy Village Green in Cohoes. Born on November 1, 1920 to the late Samuel and Grace (DiStefa no) Grinaldo, Nick enlisted in the NY National Guard, Company C, 105th Infantry on February 27, 1940 and served with the 27th Infantry Division. In 1944, during the Battle of Saipan, Nick sustained injuries to his shoulder from machine gun fire, as well as shrapnel in his hip, earning him two Purple Hearts. Among the other medals awarded for Nick's service and bravery were the Bronze Star, NYS Conspicuous Service Star, Asian-Pacific Campaign Medal and several others. Nick was honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of staff-sergeant. After proudly serving his country, Nick returned to Troy where for 35 years (1953-1988) he operated Nick's Shoe Store, on the corner of Douw & River Streets. The store was opened in 1917 by his uncle and was originally named, Trojan Quick Shoe Repair. During his lifetime Nick was an active member of several organizations including the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Tibbits Cadets, Emerald A.C., the Italian Community Center, the Troy Central Rod and Gun Club and the American Legion. Nick was an avid outdoorsmen and taught most of his family how to fish and/or hunt. Nick also loved tending to his garden and woodworking. Nick's family will miss the Christmas cookies and Easter bread that he made every year for his friends and family; his pizza and clam chowder and summer nights at his camp on Lake Champlain or Schroon River. Nick was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia (Pettignelli) Grinaldo and his sister, Josephine Grinaldo. Nick is survived by his siblings, Mary (the late Andy) O'Donnell, Angelo Grinaldo, Angela (the late Donald) Bouchard and Marguerite (Jim) Scorscone. He is survived by his children, Virginia (Dennis) Ryan, Nicholas (Margo) Grinaldo; as well as his grandchildren, Eric Ryan, Daryl (Kristi) Ryan and his great- grandchildren, Maxwell and Samuel Ryan. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Grace (the late Paul) Flagg, William (Donna) Bouchard, Gary (Debbie) Favro, Karen (Andy Hathaway) Hanna, AnnMarie (Patrick) Strack, Angela Grinaldo, Richard O'Donnell and Andrea (James) Dedrick. Nick is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, Kimberly Favro-Crooks, Don (Amy) Favro, Matthew Bouchard and Sarah and Olivia Flagg. He is the great-great-uncle to Kole Favro. Funeral Wednesday morning at 8:45 from the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc., 218 2nd Ave., (corner of 104th Street), Troy, NY 12180, and at 9:30 o'clock at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wynantskill, where the Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call at the Riverview Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Eddy Village Green Nursing Care Center of Cohoes and the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for the wonderful care given to Nick and his family. In lieu of flowers contributions in Nick's memory may be made to the Eddy Village Green of Cohoes or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For on-line condolences please visit: theriverviewfuneralhome.com.



Published by Albany Times Union on Nov. 12, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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I miss you. From the time I was a little girl you were so good to me and I am grateful still. Glad that I got to spend your last birthday with you...and know it made you happy too.
RIP Uncle Nick.

Pat McGuire

November 9, 2013

Nick, it's been and honor and a pleasure to of known you. I have many found memories of the hunting and fishing adventures we shared. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. You had a good life.You touched many lives and will be missed by all.

David Milne

November 18, 2012

Marge, Angie and Family,

Sorry to hear of Nick's passing. I remember him growing up in the neighborhood. My prayers and sympathy to you all and God Bless You in this sad time.

Anna Marie Fusco (Campana)

November 18, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Nick was wonderful and kind person. Nick fitted my shoes when I was young with special wedges prescriped by my doctor and always made sure that my shoes fitted properly. I alway enjoyed chatting with Nick at the store. He will be greatly missed.
Anthony Abate

Anthony S Abate

November 16, 2012

Very sorry for your loss, as a little girl my brother sister & I walked to school 1 each morning past "Nick's Shoe Store" I couldn't wait to see the new shiny pink & purple patent leather Easter shoes, of course we got black patent leather because we could wear them more often. A very fond memory for me.

wanda Stewart

November 16, 2012

It was an honor for us all at the NYS Military Museum to have known Nick. His video interview along with his fellow "Boys From Troy" interviews will always be here for future generations. Nick will always hold a special place in the hearts of my wife Linda and I. We will always be proud to call him and his family our friends. Our prayers are with you all.

Wayne Clarke

November 15, 2012

My family extends the greatest sympathy and highest respect to Nick's family. I remember being a boy and my mother buying my P.F. Flyers at the shoe store. Later on in my life, Nick taught me hunter safety training. Always a gentleman and helpful to those he knew. This world needs more men like him. The Walsh Family, Van Rennselaer Inn.

Brian Walsh

November 13, 2012

Marge,we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

Bob & Cathey Lynch

Robert & Catherine Lynch

November 13, 2012

R.I.P. Mr. Grinaldo

Annmarie Gilbert

November 13, 2012

May you rest in peace Mr, Nicholas Grinaldo . our prayers r with you and your famly

November 13, 2012

Gary, Marge and Family,I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Nick..he was a very special man, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..

Carol OMeara

November 13, 2012

Nick you will be missed.i remember when i was a lil boy goin ta shoe shop with my dad and ya always shook my hand and would squeeze hard and laugh sayin ya got shot in that arm....we went fishin together too.ya told me ta piss in the hole when we were ice fishing and id catch a fish.i did what ya said and what i caught was a old boot from your shop that ya put on the line when i wasnt looking...haha...you were a great man!!

robert mosca jr

November 13, 2012

Gary, Debbie, Marge and everyone, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Nick. He was a great man and we are so happy we new him. Hugs and prayers for all of you. We are with you in spirit.

Cynthia & Pete Reilly

November 12, 2012

I have such fond memories of Uncle Nick, the challenging days of ice fishing,( best part was Uncle Nick's pizza the night before) and spending a whole Saturday working at Nick's Shoe store selling shoes and putting away stock. Great chats and so much fun. Thanks Uncle Nick for your service to our country and thank you for your friendship.

Chuck Kayajian

November 12, 2012

Marge, Gary and family..so sorry to hear of Nick passing,,my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow..god bless..

November 12, 2012

I have lots of childhood memories of Uncle Nick. His stories never got old and he truly was a Hero ....Love to my favorite veteran , you made us very proud!!!!

Ginny Boisvert

November 12, 2012

Nick you were one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You will always have a special place in my heart. I enjoyed our fishing trips, woodworking, and eating zucchini flowers. Thanks being a such a special man and giving me some of my most charished memories.

Kelly Castle

November 12, 2012

Uncle Nick was an important role model for me as a young man and later opened his house with Aunt Jean whenever I needed a place to stay when I was in town. I will always remember, and still talk about, New years Eve at their home. He lived a wonderful life and I admired him for doing so.

Joe Zone

Joe Zone

November 12, 2012

i remember nick bought all my boys shoes there he was a good man and i know he will be missed rip nick and thank you for your service,the honsinger family

joe and bev honsinger

November 12, 2012

Nick was a great guy, and his valiant service to our country will never be forgotten.

Mike McNulty

November 12, 2012

When Tom Brokaw wrote about the "Greatest Generation", he was writing about Nick. God Bless and keep him.

Joe Baniak

November 12, 2012

Ginny, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this very sad time.
Love Nancy

Nancy Formoso

November 12, 2012

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