Joseph Grillo, of Melrose, died at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital on August 31, 2014 at the age of 86. Joe was born in Milford, raised in East Boston and a graduate of Boston Trade School, Class of 1945. After high school, Joe served his country in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He went on to earn his degree from Hartford State Technical College, Class of 1959. Joe was a Marketing Manager of North America for ITT for over 30 years before his retirement. He resided in Saugus for several years, Peabody for 8 years, California for 10 years and Melrose for many years. Joe was a Lt. Colonel for the Civil Air Patrol & a member of the Crystal Community Club in Wakefield and the Mt Auburn Gospel Hall in Watertown, where he was an elder for the church. He was Bible Scholar and loved his Lord & Savior. Joe was a flight Instructor at the Beverly Airport for many years and also volunteered at the Lahey Clinic in Peabody. He enjoyed traveling to Western Europe, Italy, Hawaii, Coronado Island, CA and Germany. Joe was a very hard worker, who did nothing half way and his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the most important part of his life. Joe was the beloved husband of the late G. Teresa (DeFelice) Grillo for 63 years. Loving father of Joseph Grillo Jr. & his wife Nancy of PA, Linda M. Mariotti & her husband Leonard of CA, Ruth F. DellaRusso & her husband Joseph of Lynn, Nancy C. Nason & her husband William of Melrose and Frank A. Grillo of Saugus. Cherished grandfather of Malia, Lenny, Shelley, Kristina, Natalie. Caring great grandfather of Christopher, Cameron and Chase. Devoted brother of Mary Procopio & her husband Frank of Middleton, Anthony Grillo & his wife Dorthy of Lynnfield and the late Rose Grillo. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, Sept 4th at 12PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 4-8PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hallmark Health & Hospice, 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148 .