Joseph E. Grasso DDS

Joseph E. Grasso, DDS, age 92 of Avon, CT passed away peacefully on July 23rd, 2023. In addition to his wife Carolyn, he is survived by his son John and his wife Deborah of Marlborough, CT, his son Derek and his wife Diane of Guilford, CT, his daughter Aynsley Hodges and her husband Michael of Farmington, CT, and his grandchildren Matthew, Katherine, Hannah, Melanie, and Sydney. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ricci of Boynton Beach, Fl and his brother Anthony Grasso of Norwood, MA.

Joseph was a graduate of Northeastern University, Dalhousie University School of Dental Medicine in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the University of Alabama School of Dental Medicine, Department of Prosthodontics. He served as a professor of dental medicine for his entire career. Starting at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and then the University of Georgia, he arrived in Connecticut in 1971 as a founding faculty member of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. His love of teaching rewarded him with numerous awards, he was a researcher with many publications, and he co-authored a widely-used textbook. Notable awards included the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Dalhousie and the naming in his honor of the Joseph E. Grasso Preclinical Dental Laboratory at UCONN. He served as past president of both the Connecticut Prosthodontic Society and the American Prosthodontic Society. After a 40-year tenure having taught and mentored generations of students, he retired from UCONN as an associate dean and professor emeritus.

He was an avid gardener and DIY home-improvement expert. He improved and "flipped" several homes in Simsbury long before that was a thing. Weekends were spent digging, bricklaying, mixing concrete, wallpapering, carpentry and hanging sheetrock. Those weekends passed on practical skills and values to his children that have served them well in life, and for which they are grateful. He was always there to provide enthusiastic support for his children's activities. His children were fortunate to have him present into their later adulthood as he thrived with them and with his grandchildren. He set an example of love and kindness for them all.

At his request, his funeral service and burial were private. If desired, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, or to the Joseph E. Grasso Preclinical Dental Lab Fund, 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206. To leave condolences or a memory for the family please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com