Obituary of Philip A. Grasso

Philip Angelo Grasso (Uncle Phil, Mr. Phil), 86, of Glastonbury, CT. passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Born on June 28, 1936 to Vincenzo (Jimmy) and Concetta (Sadie) Grasso, he resided at the family homestead on Marlborough Rd. and later in the home he built in 1976 on a portion of the Grasso farm for the remainder of his life.  Philip attended local schools and was a graduate of Glastonbury High School class of 1955.  After graduation he worked at Midway Garage in South Glastonbury, served in the US Army at Fort Lewis, Washington and became a postman at the Glastonbury Postal Service from 1961-1992.  During this time he meet so many people along his route that became lifelong friends.  To the very end, if he met you on the street he would remember your name, recite your street address and how long you lived there. He enjoyed a brief retirement job as handy man at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church in Glastonbury before fulfilling a lifelong dream of restoring “old cars” specifically Model A Fords Restoration that put his Master Mechanic skills to the test each day.  He was in his element when he designed and built an 85 foot long, 3 bay barn/garage at the back end of his property on Marlborough Rd in 1998.  Until recently you could always find Uncle Phil in the garage under a car, building a new engine or just chatting with the guys.  His incredible mechanical aptitude and precise workmanship were reflected in his meticulously organized, pristine work space.  Many a client or friend visiting the garage at the end of the work day would wonder how Mr. Phil managed to keep his tools, car parts, cars and working spaces neater and cleaner than most homes are kept. Uncle Phil was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary (Frank) Pavano, and by his brother Tom (Carol) Grasso.  Left to cherish his memory are his nephews and nieces, Carl (Alvyra) Pavano, Elaine (James) Brasile, Rita Banks, James (Diane) Grasso and Leah Grasso Ciraldo, with many grand and great grand nephews and nieces.  While Uncle Phil leaves many friends from all aspects of his life, it is the Chapman family who became Uncle Phil’s second family.  Beginning with Chappie and Joan and embracing the entire clan, Uncle was a true friend, godfather, and grandfather to James Chapman, Sue Chapman, Jane (James) Thomas, godson Travis (Hilary) Chapman.  Uncle Phil is now surely united with “grandson” Jake in love and peace forever. Uncle Phil leaves wonderful memories of the old days on the farm with many cousins and friends in the Coco, Aparo, Cannata, Briganti, Dagata, Saglio and Papini families. Uncle Phil leaves many friends in the John Tom Hill Club, the Masonic Columbia Lodge #25, the CT Model A Club, and the Model A Restorers Club of CT. His fondest memories were those Model A parades, Sunday rides (with ice cream stops), Model A Shows and especially traveling to Niagara Falls in the “old cars”.  Uncle Phil appreciated all his kind and helpful neighbors especially Jeanie and Bill Sylvester and was most grateful to his newest neighbors and good friends Barrett and Leslie Galbraith and family for making it possible for Uncle to remain in his home on the farm he loved until his last days.  A special thanks go out to Margaret and Vicky who provided Uncle with many hours of daily care and assistance. Also adding companionship and care on a routine basis, were car club members Rick Valeriary, Ross Siddell, John Lorch, Bill Winter, family and friends, Rita Banks, Cindy Jones, Sue Chapman  and Jim Grasso were greatly appreciated by Uncle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 10:00 at St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Rd. Glastonbury.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  Family and friends may call on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made out to  Connecticut Model A Restorers Club (CMARC), addressed to Grasso Memorial, 723 Forbes St. East Hartford, CT. 06118.  For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.