Richard D. "Rick" Grigg

Richard D. Grigg, 68, a longtime resident of North Syracuse, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Rick was born in Buffalo, NY. He was the son of the late Donald and Elizabeth (Hines) Grigg. He graduated from West Genesee High School, class of 1971. Rick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jo-Anne (Patapow) Grigg; two daughters, Lauren Grigg of North Syracuse, and Alexandra (Stephen) Curtis of Liverpool; three grandchildren, Camron, Gabriela, and Wyatt. He also leaves nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his father and mother, Don, and Liz, he was also predeceased by his sister, Tina (Grigg) Roberts and in-laws, Al, and Ginny (Fox) Patapow. Rick lived a life driven by a strong work ethic and devotion to his family. Rick served in the U.S. Army. He was employed with Carrier Corporation, for 30 years. Then joined Tops Market, N. Syracuse in the Produce Dept. He worked at St Joseph’s Health Amphitheater enjoying the perks of free concerts. As a young adult Rick participated in CYO and received the “Eagle of the Cross” award from the National Council of Catholic Youth. Rick was a proud member of AA for over 30 years and a Syracuse Crunch Corps Booster Club member. He bowled on a number of leagues and donated many gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. Rick was an avid fan and season ticket holder of SU Basketball, SU Football and Syracuse Crunch Hockey. Rick was most passionate though about his favorite baseball player, grandson Cam, who plays on the North Syracuse Little League. Grandpa is Cam’s biggest fan and loved going to the games. Rick had a small pumpkin & sunflower garden, played the lottery, and enjoyed mowing lawns for his friends for over 25 years. He loved his morning neighborhood walks with his friend Paul and visits with his friend Marty, down the street, to catch up on sports. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 9 from 3-7pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 10 at 10:00am in the funeral home. For those who wish to attend the funeral service remotely, please visit Richard’s tribute page on tjpfuneralhome.com at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 10. Burial will follow in North Syracuse Cemetery. Rick has had many major health events during his life and beat them all. Most recent challenge, Multiple Myeloma, was diagnosed December 2019. A few months later, Dr. Benny Wong at HOA advised Rick he was a possible candidate for an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant. That journey began May 2020, with Rick meeting with Dr. Michael Becker and Jillian at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. We had a difficult journey ahead, but we knew Rick’s strength and will to live would get us through it. Rick received the transplant at Strong October 2020. Though his type of cancer couldn’t be cured, a successful transplant would provide a longer life. My girls and I had a call with Dr. Wong on August 3 and received exciting news that his cancer numbers were down. Great news, but sad that we were unable to share this with Rick. The cancer battle didn’t take him, it was an intracranial hemorrhage - a stupid brain bleed. Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Wong and Lauren, and those at HOA CNY at Brittonfield who assisted Rick and I along the journey. We also extend our sincere gratefulness to Dr. Becker and Jillian, and all others who came into our life at Strong. Dr. Becker and Dr. Wong were captains of Rick’s ship. We’re thankful for their guidance and caring they and their teams provided along our travels. Donations in memory of Rick may be made to: Honor Flight Syracuse, PO Box 591, Syracuse, NY 13209 or to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CNY Chapter, 200 Gateway Park Dr., Building C, Syracuse, NY 13212. “You love your children, but you are in love with your grandchildren.” Grandpa was truly “in love with Cam, Gabby and Wyatt.”