Joseph A. Grillo

1930 - 2022

Niantic - Joseph A. Grillo, 91, of Niantic passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Joe was born Dec. 12, 1930, in New London, the son of Joseph and Assunta Grillo. He attended New London Public Schools, graduating from the former Bulkeley School in 1948. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 1952, and a Master of Science degree from Willimantic State Teacher's College in 1964, and a 6th Year Professional Certificate from UConn in 1971.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July, 1952 and served in the Preventative Medicine Division of the Medical Corp. At that time, the Corp. was conducting research for Dr. Jonas Salk, eventually leading to the development of the Salk Influenza vaccine. He was honorably discharged in July, 1954.

On June 25, 1955, he married the former Vivian E. "Vicky" Aiken at St. Joseph Church in New London. He began his career as an educator, teaching at schools at the Uncasville Elementary School, East Lyme Jr. High School, and St. Bernard Catholic School in New London. He then became Principal at Voluntown Elementary School, and a year later was appointed Principal of Preston City Elementary School where he served for 20 years, retiring in 1989. More than once he turned down possible promotions to Superintendent as he claimed he wanted to work with "his kids" (the students), and not be involved in the politics of administration.

Joe was a communicant of St. Agnes Parish and served the church in many capacities. He and his wife donated the interior Stations of the Cross to the church some years back. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council #5633 for many years, and served as Grand Knight for the 1972-73 term.

Following his retirement, he became involved at the New London Food Pantry, and volunteered until 2011. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #128.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, he is survived by five children, Suzanne M. Lemmon (Jeffrey), Joseph J. Grillo (Nicole), Catherine A. Donn (Gary), Mark E. Grillo, and Gerard P. Grillo (Kaoru); nine grandchildren and one grand-dog: Suzanne-sons, Zachary and Jeffrey; Joseph-daughters, Kellie and great-grandsons, Enzo and Max, Randi, son Joseph (Alsu), and daughter Marie; Catherine-son and daughter Dustin and Danielle; Mark-canine Nixon; Gerard-daughter Julia. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Judith Grillo, widow of his late brother S. Robert Grillo, who predeceased him on May 2, 2011.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Agnes Church, 22 Haugh Avenue, Niantic.

Donations in Joe's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.