Joseph Grassi

I´m coming late to this memorial, but I must say this to anyone who reads it. Joe Grassi put my life on a new path when I was his student at Santa Clara University. I haven´t kept him in my mind for decades because of anything in particular that he taught, but rather for who he was and what he lived for. He always treated me as a human of value. I always felt better about the world, and wiser, after my discussions with him. He was an amazing, one of a kind, man. He lives in me as a guidepost.

I wanted to send a note to the family of Joseph Grassi. I read his book, Peace on Earth, a few years ago and it was such a blessing in my speaking, writing, and teaching. I made a commitment a few years ago to contact authors and thank them. I would like to thank his family for this wonderful work. He continues to touch lives today, and mine is one of them. God Bless you all this Holiday Season.

Dr. Grassi will forever hold a place in my heart. I will never forget his deeply spiritual presence... truly an 'earthen vessel.' One day, as an anxious senior, I met with him to discuss what I was going to do after graduation. I will never forget what he said: "It doesn't matter what you do, its who you are when you do it." Tears come to my eyes as I remember the truth of his words and the way those words have left a lasting impression. How blessed I feel to have had my heart touched by Dr. Grassi.

In his Synoptic Gospels course at SCU, Joseph stood out as a great teacher. He would pray for each and every one of us and brought the love of Christ into the classroom. On Dec. 1st, 2010, I dedicated a talk at St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto to Joseph, and, following his example, I prayed for all in attendance, and used Joseph's own words from "Broken Bread and Broken Bodies" to inspire those present... "I have become more and more convinced of the incredible power of even one person to effect significant change when life's deepest energies are tapped in service of others." May Joseph's remarkable example continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

One day in the Theology of Paul, a course at Santa Clara University, Joe read this passage: "The sun must not go down on your wrath." He paused, then continued: "Paul is saying that the devil works in the darkness. If you have a problem with your brother, resolve it before the night comes." I took the course almost forty years ago, and I still hear Joe's voice. He was wise and kind; and like everyone else who knew him, I miss him. May God bless his family. He certainly blessed us with Joe's presence.

Joseph was and is an inspiration, a clear and cogent thinker, a man with a big heart and a keen sense of social justice. I consider him as one of my mentors. He is already missed, but his contributions to society and to individuals remain.

He was a very nice man. He cared about what he taught.

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.