Thomas Xavier GRASSO

GRASSO - Thomas Xavier
February 9, 1940 - June 6, 2022
Beloved and devoted husband of Carola (Smith-Grasso), Thomas X. Grasso, 82, of Pittsford, NY, peacefully entered into rest at home. Thomas was the honored father of Thomas Jr. (Kim) Grasso and Julianne (Michael) Robinson; and stepfather to Alexa and Bianka Smith. Cherished grandfather of Alyssa, Thomas III, and Anthony Grasso, Lindsey Robinson, Desiré Giddens (Smith), and Aliyah Narvaez. From a family of six children, Thomas was the dear brother of Joanna (Swiercz) and Lawrence Grasso; and brother-in-law to Marion (Horst) Wagner. Thomas was predeceased by his treasured brothers, Michael (June), Anthony (Rosemarie), Robert (Carol); brothers-in-law William Swiercz and William Clar; his father, Anthony; and mother, Mary (Pacillo). Coming from a large Italian family, Thomas was an uncle to many nieces and nephews and had numerous cousins.
Thomas was born and raised in Lackawanna and achieved his BS, Geology and Geography, from SUNY Buffalo and his MS , Paleontology and Stratigraphy, from Cornell University. Although his first professional career post-graduation involved utilizing his education and skills with the oil industry in New Orleans, this was not his true calling. While in New Orleans, Thomas was offered and enthusiastically accepted a professorial position at Monroe Community College (MCC). There he initiated the development of their Geosciences Department in 1969 and remained with MCC until his 1999 retirement. During his tenure at MCC, he published many papers on New York State geology, paleontology, and his passion, New York State Canals. Thomas joined the Canal Society of New York State in 1966, served as President from 1979 through 2016, and was granted the title of President Emeritus shortly thereafter. He was instrumental in bringing the Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park to fruition and to honor his devotion and effort toward the history and continued revitalization of the New York State canals, Monroe County dedicated a new park lodge in the Greece Canal Park, the Thomas X. Grasso Erie Canal Lodge. Thomas' love of canal systems did not end in New York State as he was a member of the Inland Waterways International (IWI) where he was President from 2002-2010. In this capacity, Thomas led 6 international tours in Europe and authored guidebooks to accompany each.
Thomas and Carola enjoyed travel throughout Europe and admired the beauty, culture, food, and wine of European cities. An avid lover of good food and wine, Thomas served impeccable meals with Carola in their Pittsford home for their friends and family. Thomas had many friends through his professional career, canal activities, the C.I.A.O. Italian Heritage Club, and those he forged in his youth. Thomas will be deeply missed, but the memories created with his loved ones will endure. A Celebration of Life will be held in Thomas' honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered for the Canal Society of New York State, 7308 Jamesville Rd., Manlius, NY 13104 or the Wilmot Cancer Center, (585) 276-4717.