Richard E. Grasso a lifelong Needham resident, Founder of R&R Automotive of Needham and Retired Firefighter for the Town of Needham died on Sunday October 2, 2005 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 63 years old. Born in Newton Mr. Grasso attended Needham Public Schools, graduating from Needham High School with the Class of 1960. In 1961 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Yosemite - AD-20 and the USS Cascade - AD-16 until being discharges in 1965. He then went to work for the Needham Body Shop until 1969 when he became a firefighter for the Needham Fire Department, serving Needham until full retirement. In 1978 he founded R&R Automotive of Needham Inc. Mr. Grasso ran R&R until 2004, when he became ill. Richard was a member of Norfolk Lodge AF and AM of Needham, Gethsemane Demolay Commandery of Newtonville, Shriners of Wilmington, Needham VFW Post 2498, Dover American Legion Post 209, Cryptic Council and Mount Vernon Royal Arch Chapter of Needham. Son of the late Ruth M. (Johnson) and Lincoln E. Grasso, he leaves his beloved wife Valerie J. Viola Grasso. A Funeral Service will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Avenue Needham on Friday October 7 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Thursday from 4-8 PM. Interment at Needham Cemetery with Military Honors. Following the interment services there will be a reception at the Needham VFW, 20 Junction Street, Needham. In lieu of flowers donations in Richard’s name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston MA 02115.