Vincent J. "Vinny" Grattarola

Vincent "Vinny" John Grattarola 92, returned to his heavenly home on June 22nd, 2021 after complications due to ALS. Vinny was born in Detroit in 1929 and graduated from Pershing High School in 1946; he went on to earn a degree in Engineering at Ohio Northern University. Vinny grew up on State Fair Street in Detroit and played on many sports teams which included baseball and football. His first job was feeding and grooming the racehorses at the State Fair Grounds. Vinnie enlisted in the U.S. Army and went on to serve in the Korean War. Vinny worked as an engineer for the Ford Motor Company for 36 years before Roush Industries recruited Vinny for a special assignment in the UK, he spent 8 years with Roush. The next chapter in Vinny’s life after retirement was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in SW Florida; he enjoyed the time with Habitat and was affectionately known as "The Saw Man" for his agile use of that tool. Vinny was a world traveler, spending those great years with his bride Lillian. When traveling many friends and family often reached out to Vinny for advice and consultation of Europe and most importantly Italy, his favorite place in the world. His geographic skills and knowledge of the 20 regions of Italy were amazing. In addition to traveling, Vinny enjoyed the summers in Michigan with his wife Lillian. An avid golfer, Vinny would often be found teeing it up at the Detroit Golf Club. Vinnie once shot his age when he was 87. He was an avid Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed attending away games with his son Greg when the Lions played in Miami or Tampa. Vinny loved fine dining and fine wine. He had a big and giving heart. He also enjoyed attending racing events or even watching them on TV. From the Indy 500 to the Daytona 500 he could be found watching them. The most important part of life for Vinny was family; he is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian T. Grattarola, and his 3 children Paul L. Grattarola of Ft. Myers, FL, Laura M. Mannino and her husband, Joseph of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Gregory D. Grattarola and his wife, Nicole of Estero, FL as well as 4 grandchildren, Joseph V. Mannino, Anthony Mannino, Michael Mannino and Leo Grattarola. Vinny and Lillian raised their children with a strong belief in God and the Catholic faith. Family and friends were the center of Vinny’s life and he was always proud to hear about his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Fireside Room at the Parish Life Center. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in his memory be made to Avow Hospice 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or online at http://avowcares.org/ or to the ALS Association 3242 Parkside Center Cr., Tampa, FL 33619-0907 or online at http://als.org/florida. To sign his 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.

Vincent J. "Vinny" Grattarola

January 8, 1929 - June 24, 2021