C. Joseph Grignaffini, 87, a lifelong resident of Wellesley, born August 19, 1934 to the late Margaret and Louis Grignaffini in Boston Massachusetts passed peacefully on May 26, 2022.
Joe passed in the home he designed, built and loved, spending his last weeks surrounded by his loving friends and family. He joins the love of his life, his deceased wife, Rita (Zaniboni) in rest along with many friends and family. He is also predeceased by his sister Theresa Ramirez and her husband Peter and their son, Peter, his brother, Louis Grignaffini, his son-in-law, Stephan Gordon and brother-in-laws, Richard and Louis Zaniboni.
He is survived by his sister, Ann Grignaffini and his sister-in-law, Pamela Grignaffini, both of Wellesley, and his four children, Lori Gordon of Greenfield MA, Linda and her husband, John Cucinotta of Natick, MA, Joseph and his wife,Leslie Grignaffini of Wellesley, and Robert and his wife, Dawn Grignaffini of Shelburne Falls, MA. He was known as “Nonno” to his eight grandchildren, James Steele and his partner, Elissa, Jesse Hayes and his wife, Nekeshia, Rita Danielle Steele, Melanie Yule and her husband, Weston, Nathaniel Pratz-Grignaffiini and Nola, Cole and Nyah Grignaffini and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well as many dear and cherished friends.
Starting his career as a mason alongside his father, in time he found his passion in designing and building homes as well as designing, building & managing commercial buildings. He was President of L. Grignaffini & Sons Inc., and Founder and CEO of Grignaffini Construction Co., which he created with his late brother, Lou.
Joe’s lifelong commitment to service for his community, along with his innumerable professional accomplishments, have been acknowledged over the years with many recognitions and awards, and through the love and respect of all those whose lives he has touched. Among his many community contributions, Joe served as a director for Wellesley Bank for 25 years, he was a member of the Wellesley Historical Society, the Wellesley Jaycees and was a member of Wellesley Rotary since 1971, and an elected Wellesley Town Meeting member for 53 years. For 30 years, Joe was also one of the town’s Santa Claus’s, serving in churches, nursing homes, children’s homes, and the town’s celebration in the square.
Early years included hobbies such as bowling with friends and fishing with his son. All along working hard but enjoying relaxing and exploring while traveling with family and friends. In his later years, Joe’s many passions included cooking, wine making, driving his 1941 Ford, swimming, gardening and regularly hosting bocci games in his backyard. Many of Joe’s friends will remember receiving annual bottles of his red wine or Christmas ravioli’s.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) Wellesley on Tuesday, May 31 from 4-8pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday, June 1 at 9am followed by a Funeral mass in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1 Wellesley Ave., Needham.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes all prayers and love. Donations may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care Hospice, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459.