Jack Grasso

Artist and Architectural Designer

Jack Grasso, 78, a Ridgefield resident of 42 years, artist, and architectural designer, died at his home on September 17 with his wife and family by his side, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr Grasso is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of 52 years and his children Missy Galante and her husband, Frank, of Newtown, Kate Bellagamba and her husband, Andy, of Newtown, Greg and his wife, Karen, of Pocatello, Idaho, Rob and his wife, Laura, of Ridgefield, Mickey and his wife, Darcy, of Bethel, Steven of New York City, and David and wife, Cindy, of Charlestown, N.H. The Grassos lives changed with the unexpected death of their son, John, in April 2004. Mr Grasso was blessed with 29 wonderful grandchildren who adored their Grandpa.

Mr Grasso was born in White Plains, N.Y., on January 15, 1927, son of A.J. Grasso and Josephine Mariano Grasso. He was a World War II Navy Seabees veteran, attached to the 3rd Marine Division 154 Combat Construction Battalion in Guam.

In 1953, he married Carol Pankosky of Greenwich, and the couple lived in Stamford until 1963 when they moved to Ridgefield. Mr Grasso worked as an architectural designer for his father’s business, Grasso Construction, in Stamford until the mid-60s. He was well known for his classic and timeless house designs, and for designing and building the first garden apartment condominium in Stamford. Mr Grasso designed many beautiful homes in Ridgefield.

At the age of 40, he left the business world and became a self-taught watercolor artist. He felt that only through art could he fully utilize and express his talents. His paintings have graced homes, galleries, commercial buildings, corporations, and private collections here and abroad, including The Mystic Seaport Maritime Gallery in Mystic. He loved to share his work and appreciated that others valued them so personally. Mr Grasso credited much of his success to the mentoring of Alexander Ross and Harry Bennett.

He was honored by the Hudson Valley Art Association and received the prestigious Lever House Award. He was featured as the First Honorary Artist in Residence for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut’s 2001 Art Festival, an annual benefit hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr Grasso gave 25 years of donations to Hospice fundraising.  It was a great source of joy for Jack that his paintings have been donated or auctioned for charity. He was most passionate about donating to the music and performing arts departments at Ridgefield High School.

The Grassos celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2003, surrounded by their eight children, spouses, grandchildren, and family. Mr Grasso treasured his wife and children and was very proud of each of them. A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all, he will be remembered for his sweet nature and dear, giving heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated on Saturday, September 24, at 10:15 am in St Mary’s Church, Ridgefield. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, on Thursday and Friday, September 22 and 23, from 5 to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jack Grasso Memorial Scholarship Fund for the music and arts departments at Ridgefield High School, c/o Ridgefield Bank, 150 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, 06877 or to The Regional Hospice Home Care Program, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.

The Newtown Bee     September 23, 2005