Gennaro Grasso, of Wilmington passed away peacefully, Saturday, September 5, 2020, at his home with his family at his side. He was 71. Gennaro was the beloved husband of Charlotte A. (Covelle) Grasso. Born in Venticano, Italy, Gennaro was the son of the late Vittorio and Leonina (Colantuouni) Grasso. He was the devoted father of Leonina Russo and her husband John of Middleton, and Erminio Grasso and his wife Michelle of Tewksbury. He was the loving "Papa" of John Russo Jr. and Arianna Russo, Priscilla Grasso and Gennaro Grasso. Brother of Antonio Grasso and his wife Pasqualina, Carmine Grasso and his wife Anna, Corrado Grasso and his wife Mirella, all of Italy. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

As a young man, Gennaro was a proud member of the Italian Carabinieri. His service allowed him to travel extensively in Italy and even learn how to ski in Turin. Gennaro left behind his hometown of Venticano, Italy, married his wife Charlotte, and became an American citizen on July 4, 1976, in a ceremony at the Old North Church in Boston. He embodied the best of the American Dream.

Known for his strong work ethic, Gennaro spent 45 years as a laborer and a foreman, working for the Coughlin, R. Zoppo, and Bond Brothers Construction Companies. He was a proud member of Local 22 Laborer's Union. Following his retirement from construction work, Gennaro became an active member of the Friends of St. Anthony organization in Woburn, Ma. Whether scrambling eggs and flipping pancakes for their Sunday morning breakfasts or organizing holiday food baskets for needy families, Gennaro always looked to help those less fortunate. One of his favorite ways to serve the community was as a volunteer for H.O.T.s. (Helping Our Troops). He packed many care packages for the men and women serving in our armed forces.

An avid gardener, he could grow anything. His vast, acre-sized garden brought in numerous varieties of vegetables and fruits which he always gave to friends and family when they visited. He preserved tomatoes and made jelly from fruit grown in his garden. He made his own wine that he often enjoyed with friends and family. He loved the music of Andrea Boccelli, Formula One Racing, and Series A soccer from Italy. He proudly rooted for the Juventus Football Club, the New England Patriots, and other Boston sports. From sports games to music and dance recitals, Gennaro always enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren pursuing what they loved.

His greatest joy in life was his wife Charlotte to whom he would have been married 50 years on May 9, 2021. He always had the utmost respect for her and professed his love daily to her. He leaves behind many friends and family who loved him dearly for his kindness and compassion.

Funeral services for Gennaro will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Monday, September 14th, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. All attending must wear face coverings and adhere to strict social distancing protocols. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Gennaro's memory to St. Anthony Parish, c/o Friends of St. Anthony, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, MA 01801.