Joan D. Grillo

Joan D. Grillo, 93, of Naples, FL and formerly of Leominster, MA peacefully passed away on October 11, 2022. Joan was born on September 27, 1929 in Milton, MA to Archibald and Ruth MacDonald. When she was 16 years old, her older sister asked her to go on a double date and meet a saxophone player and that is when she met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Grillo. They married in 1952 in a beautiful ceremony and danced to Tony Bennett’s “Because of You.” Joan enjoyed many things including playing cards, sewing, painting, slot machines but especially reading. She was an avid reader, sometimes reading a book a day. She loved listening to Jerry play the saxophone. Though she was skilled at many things, she excelled at being the matriarch of her family. Joan and Jerry had five children and were later blessed with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Raising her family and being a Nana was what she was the most passionate about. Joan lit up any room she walked into with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She spent her life making memories for her family to cherish. She surrounded herself with love by experiencing all life had to offer with her husband and family at her side. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Jerry; children, Trish Bertuzzi (Joe Romard), Karen Gordy (Bill Gordy), Gary Grillo (Donna Wyland), Lisa Grillo (Jim Brady), Cristine Smith (John Stone); grandchildren, Matt Bertuzzi, Kara Earp, Jeremy Gordy, Jennifer Carney, Jessica Grillo, Niki Grillo, Kyle Smith, Leah Smith and Chad Costos; five great-grandchildren, Declan, Grant, Asher, Braeden and Bristol; siblings, Ruth Hopkins, Polly Long, Robert MacDonald and Barbara Wolfreys; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Claire Nicholson and Charles MacDonald. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Peter Frates Family Foundation supporting ALS families (https://petefrates.com/donate/). A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Glen Golf and Country Club, 3855 Forest Glen Boulevard, Naples, FL on November 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM. To sign Joan’s guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

Joan D. Grillo

September 27, 1929 - October 11, 2022