Obituary for Frederick Frank Grippi
Frederick Grippi, beloved father of the Grippi family, passed away on November 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family at age 99.
He was born Federico Francesco Grippi, son of Ermelinda and Salvatore Grippi, in New York, New York on September 30, 1923. After graduating high school, he worked on an army air corps base as an aircraft mechanic crew chief in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Although Frederick received an occupational deferment from being drafted because this was considered a crucial job in the army, he felt compelled to enlist in the Navy. He served on the USS Shelby for two and a half years where his job included landing troops on various islands and transporting supplies, such as tanks, emergency trucks and ammunition.
After returning from WWII, Frederick married the love of his life, Angelina Barbera on September 7, 1947. They started a lifetime together in the Bronx filled with affection, commitment, respect, and family. After having three children, Carolyn, Melinda, and Freddy, he bought land in Westchester and spent years of Sundays building a house with his brothers and brother-in-law for himself and his brother. Two more children were born, Toni and Joey, while living in the house on Greenwood Lane. At times he worked three jobs to support his family. His main occupation was a lead designer at S&S Automatic Sprinkler Company in Tappan, NY. Fred’s number one priority was always family. He was willing to sacrifice anything and everything for them.
Angelina and Fred moved to the Poconos in 1997 where he enjoyed fishing in the lake, barbequing, attending daily mass, and participating in a woodworking group where he made furniture like benches and bread boxes, outdoor decorations like welcome bears with a family name on it, animals and saints, doll furniture, and nutcrackers. They moved to Dutchess County in 2007. They continued to gather for every occasion and non-occasion for family was everything. Angelina and Fred lived at The Fountain at Millbrook for 6 years and then moved in with their daughter, Toni, and her family in January 2021.
Fred, affectionately known as Chuck, built a family full of love and affection. He enjoyed talking about old movies, fishing, playing tennis, and working with his hands. There was nothing he couldn’t do. He was a gentle, affectionate, faithful man who instilled hardworking, loving values in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would reach out and help anyone who needed it. He was greatly devoted to prayer and carried a list of intentions with him always. He and Angelina would pray the Rosary at least once a day and he would take the list from his pocket and meditate on his intentions as they prayed.
Fred and Angelina celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last September. To look at their pictures throughout the years, you can see and feel the love between them. Angelina went home to heaven last week on November 18th. Their spirits could not be separated for long, especially with a holiday coming up. They were reunited for their best Thanksgiving ever. Their love is eternal!
Fred was predeceased by his wife, Angelina Grippi, parents, siblings, and his wonderful daughter, Carolyn Bavero. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and George Bennett, his son and daughter-in-law, Freddy and Patty Grippi, his daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Frank Russolello, his son and daughter-in-law, Joey and Angela Grippi, son-in-law Ron Bavero, 23 grandchildren, soon to be 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His legacy of love and devotion will live on forever.
Calling hours will be held on Monday November 28th from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc. 1089 Main St. Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday November 29th at 10 am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church 106 Jackson St. Fishkill, followed by entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frederick’s name to the Lustgarten Foundation415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.lustgarten.org
He was born Federico Francesco Grippi, son of Ermelinda and Salvatore Grippi, in New York, New York on September 30, 1923. After graduating high school, he worked on an army air corps base as an aircraft mechanic crew chief in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Although Frederick received an occupational deferment from being drafted because this was considered a crucial job in the army, he felt compelled to enlist in the Navy. He served on the USS Shelby for two and a half years where his job included landing troops on various islands and transporting supplies, such as tanks, emergency trucks and ammunition.
After returning from WWII, Frederick married the love of his life, Angelina Barbera on September 7, 1947. They started a lifetime together in the Bronx filled with affection, commitment, respect, and family. After having three children, Carolyn, Melinda, and Freddy, he bought land in Westchester and spent years of Sundays building a house with his brothers and brother-in-law for himself and his brother. Two more children were born, Toni and Joey, while living in the house on Greenwood Lane. At times he worked three jobs to support his family. His main occupation was a lead designer at S&S Automatic Sprinkler Company in Tappan, NY. Fred’s number one priority was always family. He was willing to sacrifice anything and everything for them.
Angelina and Fred moved to the Poconos in 1997 where he enjoyed fishing in the lake, barbequing, attending daily mass, and participating in a woodworking group where he made furniture like benches and bread boxes, outdoor decorations like welcome bears with a family name on it, animals and saints, doll furniture, and nutcrackers. They moved to Dutchess County in 2007. They continued to gather for every occasion and non-occasion for family was everything. Angelina and Fred lived at The Fountain at Millbrook for 6 years and then moved in with their daughter, Toni, and her family in January 2021.
Fred, affectionately known as Chuck, built a family full of love and affection. He enjoyed talking about old movies, fishing, playing tennis, and working with his hands. There was nothing he couldn’t do. He was a gentle, affectionate, faithful man who instilled hardworking, loving values in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would reach out and help anyone who needed it. He was greatly devoted to prayer and carried a list of intentions with him always. He and Angelina would pray the Rosary at least once a day and he would take the list from his pocket and meditate on his intentions as they prayed.
Fred and Angelina celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last September. To look at their pictures throughout the years, you can see and feel the love between them. Angelina went home to heaven last week on November 18th. Their spirits could not be separated for long, especially with a holiday coming up. They were reunited for their best Thanksgiving ever. Their love is eternal!
Fred was predeceased by his wife, Angelina Grippi, parents, siblings, and his wonderful daughter, Carolyn Bavero. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and George Bennett, his son and daughter-in-law, Freddy and Patty Grippi, his daughter and son-in-law, Toni and Frank Russolello, his son and daughter-in-law, Joey and Angela Grippi, son-in-law Ron Bavero, 23 grandchildren, soon to be 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His legacy of love and devotion will live on forever.
Calling hours will be held on Monday November 28th from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc. 1089 Main St. Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday November 29th at 10 am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church 106 Jackson St. Fishkill, followed by entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frederick’s name to the Lustgarten Foundation415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, New York 11797 www.lustgarten.org