John Grasso, of Malden, formerly of East Boston, died Friday at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 85.
Born and raised East Boston, he was the son of the late Matteo and the late Sofia (Bruno) Grasso. John served with the Army’s famed Yankee Division during World War II. He served in combat in Europe and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Devoted to his family of 8 children, John held 3 jobs for their support. He worked many years with the US Postal Service at the South Boston Annex. He also worked at Suffolk Downs and with the New York - New Haven Rail Road.
He was the beloved husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Linnell) of Danvers. He was a devoted father to John Grasso, Joseph Grasso, Sr. both of Danvers, Carol Vaccaro, Jeanne Marquardo, Paula Grasso all of Malden, Barbara Trani of Watertown, Patricia Rogers of Medford, and Martin Grasso of Bridgewater. He was the dear brother of Martin Grasso of Peabody and is also survived by 19 loving grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren.
Relatives and friends may visit Monday from 4 – 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 AM, Tuesday, in Sacred Hearts Church, Malden. Interment will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.