Joseph Leonard Grisanti

Joseph Leonard Grisanti, 89, passed away on September 25, 2011. The second son of Sicilian immigrants, Joe was born in Silver Creek, NY, in 1922. His keen intellect, zest for learning, and sense of humor took him around the world and into the hearts of all he met. Joe’s career as an engineer at the leading edge of technology began when he served as a Corporal in the 8th Air Force in WWII in England. Career highlights include his work in live television at WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he played an important role in the broadcast of The Great Debates. He received General Electric’s Ralph J. Cordiner Award, as well as the Apolloneer Award for his contributions to the Apollo Space Program.

Joe loved helping others and was an active volunteer throughout his life. He especially enjoyed the time he spent teaching English as a second language, tutoring children at Mt. Carmel School, and assisting with office work at the Houston Hospice.

Joe was predeceased by his wife and sweetheart of 52 years, Anne. At age 83, he was blessed to find love again, marrying Carol Nussbaum in 2005. He is survived by Carol, his daughters Kathleen Grisanti Tauber and JoAnn Grisanti, granddaughters Lory Lyn Tauber and Amy Tauber Alvarez, her husband George and their sons, Nicholas and Luke. Joe embraced Carol’s family and will be dearly missed by her son Christopher Zeller, his wife Aleeta and their children, Dylan, Zoe, Keaton, Lilly and Allyssa; and son Michael Zeller, his wife Kristi, and their daughters Mackenna, Ashley and Samantha. Joe’s siblings, nieces and nephews, godchildren and many friends mourn the passing of another member of The Greatest Generation.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial gifts may be made to Houston Hospice (www.houstonhospice.org) or Texas Children’s Hospital (www.texaschildrens.org).