Joseph Anthony Grillo, Jr.

Joseph Anthony Grillo Jr., age 62, passed away on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, at the Charlwell House in Norwood, Massachusetts after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on May 2, 1962, he was the son of Joseph A. and Jean Ann (Norton) Grillo. Joe was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and graduated from Walpole High School with the class of 1980.

After graduation, Joe attended New Hampshire College, where he studied business. The classes Joe took and the skills he learned were incredibly useful to Joe, as he began working alongside his father at the family business, G & H Poultry. 

Around 2002, Joe returned to his education, traveling to Texas and training to become a pharmacy technician. Prepared to serve his community, Joe returned home to Walpole where he worked for CVS and later at Betro Pharmacy in town. Joe loved his job as a pharmacy technician, taking great pride in his ability to help others with thanks to his training and expertise. In 2009, Joe accepted a position with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton, Massachusetts. He was a committed and loyal employee, ready to provide assistance or share a friendly smile with his coworkers. 

In his free time, Joe had many hobbies. As a child he loved to go fishing and camping with his grandparents. His love for nature continued to grow with him, as Joe took up biking, hiking, and archery. Joe shared his love of nature with others through his photography, capturing breathtaking scenic images. He also loved to cook, spending time in the kitchen perfecting his craft, and sharing decadent meals with friends and family. His favorite cuisine was Mexican, often using home grown hot peppers from his garden. Joe loved to garden and his yard was filled with fragrant flowers, lemon trees, and many more delicious fruits and vegetables. His house was filled with just as many beautiful plants, making a relaxing environment for his three well-loved cats to unwind in. To relax, Joe spent time building intricate model cars, planes, and trains, amassing an impressive collection. 

Beloved Cat Dad to Larry, Whitey, and Tux

Loving brother of Julie Grillo McCreary, and her husband Jeffrey, of Dedham and Jill Ann Grillo, and her partner Philip Lippolis, of Dedham

Cherished friend of Robert "Jake" Hallenbake, who was more like a brother than a friend. Joe's family is eternally grateful for Jake's friendship and support, sitting through many doctors’ appointments and rounds of chemo with Joe.

At the request of Joe's family, all immediate services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph's name may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation at P.O. Box 62066, Durham, North Carolina, 27715 or by visiting https://glioblastomafoundation.org/

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.