Fred B. Grimaldi's Obituary
Fred B. Grimaldi passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on May 1, 2017. Fred was born on September 17, 1938 to Fred P. and Rita (Stefano) Grimaldi. Fred was raised in Utica, NY in the 400 block of picturesque Bleecker Street where he made countless lifelong friendships with many colorful individuals. He grew up above Grimaldi’s Restaurant where he had direct access to the best Italian-American food and desserts anyone had to offer, instilling his love for the best of all things.
Throughout his adolescent and teenage years he learned every facet of the restaurant business, from dishwasher to management. He had the opportunity to learn from his hard-working parents who instilled their work ethic and passion for detail, doing things right, and making people happy. Along with helping and serving in the family business, he took pride in his athletic pursuits. He was city champion in paddle tennis for several years in a row. After graduating for T.R. Proctor High School, Fred attended Notre Dame University then transferred to Utica College. After his academic studies, he worked in the family business as owner and operator of Grimaldi’s Restaurant. Since that time, he accomplished the opening of nine successful restuarants throughout Central New York. In these restaurants, he developed countless friendships and encouraged many young chefs to establish their own businesses. In addition to thriving restaurants, Fred’s acute business sense brought him into expansive commercial real estate across New York State.
When he retired at the age of sixty-two, he and his wife Mary established a beautiful home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. During this time of his life, he was immeasurably proud of his daughter (Rita) and son (Fred Jr.) who were continuing the legacy of the Grimaldi Family restaurant business. Regardless of his success in business, what people remember most about Fred is how he made them feel. Fred had a warmth and charm that cannot be described and a smile that lit up a room. He lived his life cherishing his family, friends, customers, and business partners. He was a profoundly passionate person that ensured that everyone in his presence knew just how much they meant to him.
In addition to his parents Fred was predeceased by his brother Lawrence Grimaldi and grandson Joel Collins. Fred is survived by his wife of 38 years Mary E. (McGlynn) Grimaldi, six children; Frederick P. Grimaldi, Rita Grimaldi, Karen (Steve) Grimaldi-Deming, Robin (Scott) St. Hilaire all of Syracuse, Lisa (Sean) Andrade of Orangeburg N.Y., and Diane (Andrew) Webb of Saratoga Springs. Five grandchildren Megan (Andrew) Wilson, Marissa (Clay Carlisle) Mazza, Nolan Frederick Webb, Stephen A. and Dominic Andrade; his great-grandson Luca Wilson, a brother Raymond (Susan) Grimaldi of Manlius; Former wife Regina Aliasso, along with several nephews, nieces and cousins.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday May 5th, 2017 in St. Ann’s Church, Manlius. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society P.O.BOX 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
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