Donald Jay Grillo

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday August 3rd at Harrell Funeral Homes, a light reception will take place directly following. (4435 Frontier Trail)
A livestream event of the memorial service will be available.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us here
https://venues.vimeo.com/1686861205465?lang=en-US
Donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://dogood.t2t.org/campaign/in-memory-of-don-grillo/c604284), in memorial of Don.
Donald Jay Grillo, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on September 22, 1937, in Queens, New York, Don's journey through life was marked by his intelligence, generosity, and the warm friendliness that drew people to him.
Don's early life in Queens laid a foundation for his admirable work ethic and his commitment to people. Don joined the army and served in Korea. He then embarked on a rewarding career in banking as an IT Manager. Throughout his career, Don was known for his innovative thinking and his ability to lead and inspire his teams. He was a respected figure in the banking industry, contributing his expertise and time to various associations, such as Rotary and the Austin Child Guidance Center.
Family was the cornerstone of Don's life. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lise Horeff Grillo, and a loving father to his children, Shauna, Corbin, and his adopted son, Beau. Don's role as a grandfather to Chase brought him immense joy, and his bond with his older brother, Robert, remained strong throughout his life. Don's unwavering support and love for his family were evident in every aspect of his life, and he took great pride in their accomplishments.
Don's zest for life was infectious. He had an insatiable love for food, always eager to explore new cuisines and share meals with those he cherished. Travel was another of Don's passions; he relished the opportunity to experience different cultures and create memories in far-flung corners of the globe. Friends were integral to Don's happiness, and he cultivated lasting friendships that were built on mutual respect, laughter, and an abundance of shared experiences.
Those who knew Don will remember him as a man of great intelligence. He had a natural curiosity about the world and an eagerness to learn that never waned. Don's generosity knew no bounds, as he was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer support to those in need. His friendly demeanor was a beacon of light, drawing people from all walks of life and creating a community around him that was rich in love and camaraderie.
As we bid farewell to Donald Jay Grillo, we celebrate a life well-lived-a life filled with love, friendship, and the pursuit of knowledge. Don's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his teachings and values will be passed down through generations. He will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will remain an enduring presence among us.
The loss of Don leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him, yet we take solace in the many memories and the indelible mark he has left on our world. We honor his life by remembering the love he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the joy he brought into our lives. Don's journey on earth has ended, but his story will be told for years to come, a testament to a life that was truly remarkable.