Anthony Joseph Grillo Jr.

Anthony (“Tony”) Joseph Grillo, Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026. He was born on May 24, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, to Lola (Elefante) and Anthony J. Grillo, Sr., and spent most of his young life in Long Island, New York. There he met and, in 1959, married the love of his life, Mary Jean (Browner) Grillo. Shortly after they were married, Tony served in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, aboard Destroyer Escort 447 Albert Harris in the historic blockade. After his service, Mary and Tony moved to Huntsville, Alabama, with their young family so Tony could pursue his career as a NASA engineer. In 1964, they relocated to Maryland and eventually settled in Four Seasons, where they lived for 50 years until Mary Jean passed away in 2019; Tony then relocated to Northern Virginia, where he lived until his death.

Tony was a member of Our Lady of the Fields Church, and, in 1974, felt called to the deaconate. He was ordained a permanent deacon and served in that role for over 35 years, ministering to his community. Church members, friends, and neighbors cherished him for his sense of humor, compassion, empathy, and understanding nature. He and Mary were involved in numerous ministries at their church and touched many lives through their service.

Tony worked for 40 years as a contractor for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, on countless missions and projects. This work also afforded him the opportunity to travel to many countries, which he relished, as he was always curious and up for new experiences. On one such trip to Kenya, he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. He later learned French for a satellite launch in French Guiana.

Tony was a lifelong learner. He valued education tremendously and provided unending support to his children as they pursued their college and post-graduate degrees. He took great pride in the academic success of his children and grandchildren and never missed a graduation – from kindergarten to graduate school. Tony himself returned to graduate school and, in 1996, earned a Master's degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University, a fitting second career path for a man who cared deeply for others.

Tony loved his family more than anything in the world. He was a devoted grandfather to nine. He rarely missed a cross-country meet, ice skating competition, soccer game, ballet recital, swim meet, or musical performance. As his grandchildren got older, he loved talking with them about their lives and delighted in seeing his family grow through engagements, weddings, and the birth of his first great-grandchild in May 2026, just days before his 90th birthday.

In 2019, Tony lost his wife, Mary Jean, in a tragic accident. Though he was beyond devastated to lose his wife of sixty years, Tony remained a centering force in his family. He supported his children and grandchildren in their grief and was ever-present in their lives. In 2020, Tony relocated to Northern Virginia to be closer to family.

Tony was, above all, a decent and kind man of the utmost integrity. Even in his final months, he treated everyone who cared for him with respect and appreciation. He was loved by all and, because he touched so many people, he will be greatly missed. His family takes comfort knowing he leaves behind a great legacy of a life well lived.

Pope Leo’s recent words embody Tony’s life and spirit:

“When being fair and honest has a price, pay it. When forgiving seems like defeat, forgive. When everyone tells you to put yourselves first, do not be afraid to put yourselves last; be willing to give up time, money, comfort, and plans to serve others. May those who see you wonder: Why do they live this way? Where do they find this freedom? Why do they love one another so much?”

Tony is survived by his daughter Jeanne Grillo, her husband Robert Srour, and daughters Lucy and Isabel Srour; his son John Anthony Grillo, his wife Catherine Grillo, and daughters Sarah, Jennifer, Allison, and Lyndsay Grillo; his daughter Monica Grillo, her husband Stephen Crum, and children Jack Crum (fiancé Emma Gross), and Molly Crum (husband Thomas Beck, and daughter Mallory); and his daughter Ann Grillo, her husband William Garland, and their daughter, Nora Garland.

Tony’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a luncheon to follow at the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org).