Violet Gloria Grasso, 95
Born in Staten Island, "Vi" was the devoted daughter of Italian immigrants, Pasquale and Mariana. Vi is the last of their nine children, one of whom died in infancy, to depart from this earth. As the youngest, Vi was lovingly embraced and fiercely protected by her older siblings. Throughout her life, she was the embodiment of a kindly and gentle soul. Her family often remarked that she never said a mean word about anyone.
Vi worked in Manhattan most of her early adulthood, including holding the position of administrator to a senior executive of Goodbody & Company in the early 1960s. She eventually left the workplace to care for her beloved mother at home. Vi’s favorite hobby was oil painting which resulted in portraits such as one of Pope Paul VI, reflecting her devout religious beliefs. Vi also enjoyed cooking alongside her sisters for their large extended family. Whenever her nieces and nephews visited, they were greeted by her sweet smile and a question, “Are you hungry?” No matter what the answer, ample food was placed on the table. Her familial recipes for eggplant parmigiana and struffoli live on in kitchens from New York City to Alaska.
Cherished by her family, Vi was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl, Salvatore, and Patrick, and sisters Elizabeth (Betty), Rose, Phyllis and Doris. She is survived by her loving niece and Goddaughter Renee, five other nieces and three nephews and their many offspring. Her family would like to thank caregivers from the Mullen and Breslin families who assisted Vi in the last years of her life. Vi’s kindhearted nature and dedication to her mother and family will long be remembered by those who loved her.
“Violet enjoyed very much traveling to Atlantic City with family members.”
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