Lt. Colonel Sam F. Grillo's Obituary
Lt. Colonel Sam F. Grillo, 90, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at the Francis House surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. He was a lifelong resident of Syracuse and graduated from North High School and Ithaca College. Sam served with the U.S. Army for 10 years retiring as a well decorated Lieutenant Colonel. He then worked with the U.S. Army Reserves for over 24 years. Sam later worked with Onondaga County for 30 years in the Probation and Social Services Department. He was also a Deputy Commissioner of Corrections at Jamesville Penitentiary. Sam was on the West Point Academy Selection Committee for numerous congressmen. He was President of IAAC for 16 years and a member of the North High School Hall of Fame. Sam was also a communicant with Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church and a member of its Holy Name Society. He was an avid Syracuse Chiefs and NY Yankees fan.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Nancy and Emily and his brothers, Michael and Joseph.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Sallyann (Owens) Grillo; his 2 daughters, Dana F. Grillo (Timothy Thorp) and Lissa (Dr. Albert) Tripodi; 3 step-sons, George (Maureen) Michel, Timothy (Katie) Michel and Martin (Michelle) Michel; his step-daughter, Melissa Burke; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Louis (Dolly) Grillo and Nicola (Genevieve) Grillo, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Sam’s life at Noon in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Burial with Military Honors will be in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 6, 2015 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Contributions may be made to the Francis House, 108 Michael's Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.
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