Anna Grillo
September 25, 1921 ~ November 30, 2010
Anna Grillo, 89, formerly of Hamden, beloved wife of 64 years to Pasquale Grillo, passed away on November 30, 2010 in Saco, ME. She was born in New Haven on September 25, 1921 to the late Antonio and Lucia Ruocco Ruocco. Besides her husband, Anna is survived by her daughter Patricia Markella and her husband John of Needham, MA (and his son Aaron); son, Robert Grillo and his wife Barbara of Kennebunk, ME; grandchildren, Lauren Markella, Carolyn, Scott, and John Grillo; sister, Trina Cretella; and brother, Louis Ruocco. She is predeceased by two brothers and two sisters. Anna was a special person who brought happiness to all of her friends and family members. Her life was filled with many 'twists and turns,' from her humble childhood growing up in an orphanage with her beloved siblings, to the birth of her 4 grandchildren. Family always came first, whether it was family night with all her brothers and sisters, traveling and Friday night card games with her brother Larry, every Sunday afternoon at sister Mary's house, and bowling with sister-in-law Anna. She always made the best of every situation and counted her blessings. We will all remember many tangible signs of her love and kindness, such as the homemade christening gown worn by all of her grandchildren, her fabulous Italian cavitelli, holiday treats including Easter baskets, valentines, Christmas cookies, chocolate Thanksgiving turkeys, personalized birthday cakes, to name a few. She was an avid baseball fan and could be counted on to embarrass her family with her cheers, whether at Yankee Stadium or watching her beloved son Robert play ball over the years. Anna never missed an important event involving her children or grandchildren, including dance recitals, fashion shows, school sports, baptisms, parades, graduations or birthdays. She had a special bond with her daughter Patty which resulted in many long phone calls talking about the challenges and opportunities of everyday living. One of the highlights of her life was celebrating 50 years of marriage to her 'soul mate' Patsy. Together they lived in Hamden for 56 years in the house that 'Gramps' built, as faithful members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Sadly, the last four years of Anna's life involved a move to Maine to be closer to family members and a long, painful decline with Alzheimer's disease. Although this dreaded disease robbed Anna of her vitality and warmth towards the end of her life, we will always remember her for the loving wife, sister, aunt, parent, grandparent and friend that she was to so many people during her long and spirited life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Friday, December 3rd at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The family requests that optional contributions in honor of Anna's memory be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 2911 Dixwell Ave., Suite 104, Hamden, CT 06518 or (alz.org).
I still remember the sleepovers at the house in Mt. Carmel and Ann’s great cooking and hospitality! On behalf of my Mom and Dad I extend our sincere condolences to the Grillo family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers… Jo Ann
To Uncle Pat, Patty and Robert, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Aunt Neen was such a beautiful lady and a wonderful Aunt. I will always remember her smile and her laughter. We had many good times growing up, she always made you feel welcome. I have had her in my prayers for these years passed, and she will remain in my heart forever. This is sent with deepest sympathy to my dear Uncle and cousins. With love, Lucille
Uncle Pat, Patty, Robert and all of her grandchildren: My memories are vivid of Aunt Neen and will always be in my heart. She gave me a beautiful garnish dish when I got married. It is now 40 years old. It has always been cherished and handled with care, used only during the holidays. I will hand down this beautiful dish to my daughter, Kim, as she knows how much it means to me. It holds so much of who Aunt Neen was and how beautiful she made Holidays for her family and friends. I will always remember her smile and vibrancy. As painfull as it is to lose her, know that she is always with you. Her spirit will live on inside of your hearts forever, as it will for me. Love you Always, Lena
Uncle Pat, Robert, Patty and families, My sincere condolences to all of you. I will always remember how sincere and sweet Aunt Neen was when she came to visit me with Uncle Pat. I will cherish that day and the pictures we took always. She is in my heart. Love, Mary-Lou
Anna was always interesting and fun to be with. Love to Pat and their family. Joyce Abate