Lucian Matteo "Lou" Grillo

GRILLO, Lucian "Lou" Matteo Lucian "Lou" Matteo Grillo, 82, of South Windsor, husband of 60 years to Dorothy "Dot" Grillo (Tardette) peacefully went to Heaven on the beautiful summer morning of Sunday (June 24, 2007). He was born in Hartford January 21, 1925, the only child of John J. and Josephine (D'Ambrogio) Grillo. He graduated Bulkely High School at the age of 16 and attended Hillyer College before enlisting in the U.S. Naval Air Corps at age 18. He saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater as a turret gunner on a Lockheed PV-1 Ventura. He was awarded an Air Medal, a Gold Star, a Commendation from the Sec. of the Navy, a Permanent Citation from the Chief of Naval Personnel, a Letter of Citation from President Truman and three Stars for action in the Philippines. He was wounded by shrapnel but refused the Purple Heart, as he thought his injuries paled in comparison to his slain comrades. After the War he graduated the Morse School of Business and worked for the Department of Justice as an Immigration Field Officer. In 1949 he and Dot opened S+M Grinders on Sheldon Street in Hartford. In 1952 they started Lou's Drive-In on Rt. 5 in South Windsor, an iconic institution where customers from all walks of life sat on stools and at side by side. Many have fond memories of Lou, spatula in hand, working the grill behind the counter with Dot at his side. In 1965 the diner moved to a new location down the road and expanded over the years to Lucian's Restaurant and Banquet hall, for years a local favorite. He was pleased all his children and grandchildren worked together there. To the disappointment of many, Lou and Dot retired in December of 1999. His life was centered around his family and faith. He coached youth baseball and football and was a leader in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Troop 211. He was a member of the St. Luke's Holy Name Society, The Legion of Mary, The Holy Family Retreat and Central Association of The Miraculous Medal. His most memorable moments were when family and friends gathered at the summer house on Lake Hayward and the yearly vacations he sponsored for the whole family, when as many as 17 traveled to Las Vegas, Aruba or on cruise ships. Besides his wife Dorothy he leaves four children, John J. Grillo, Donna Antaya and husband Donald, Dr. Robert M. and Bernadette Grillo, Karen and husband Anthony Farina, all of South Windsor; nine grandchildren, Brian Grillo of Old Saybrook, Kerry Seltzer of Waterford, Kevin Antaya of Middletown, Keith Antaya of Simsbury, Michael Farina, Tiana Farina, Zachary Grillo, Nicholas Grillo, and Laura Grillo all of South Windsor; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Cameron, and Aiden Grillo, and Annie and Owen Seltzer. Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, 9 a.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor; followed by Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, South Windsor. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Wapping Cemetery, South Windsor. Friends and relatives are invited to call on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank his caregiver Anna Socha for her tender care. In lieu of flowers he would wish you to treat a loved one to a meal at their favorite dining spot. Please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences.