Providence,RI. - Joseph M. Grota died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Rhode Island Hospital. Mr. Grota was the husband of Elaina J. (Shehab) Grota of Fairhaven. He was the father of Charlene Castanheira, wife of Pedro Castanheira of Dartmouth, Kathryn Grota and Samantha Grota both of Fairhaven. Mr. Grota was the brother of Mario Grota and his wife Anna and their daughters Stacy and Amy of Dartmouth. He is also survived by five nieces.
Mr. Grota was born in Ribeira Grande, St Michael, Azores, Portugal. He was the son of Cremilde (Aguiar) Grota of Dartmouth and of the late Jorge Grota. He lived in this area since he was 11 years old. He was the Co-Proprietor of Grota’s Motors. Mr. Grota was a member of the National Hot Rod Association and once held the national record time in his class.
Mr. Grota's funeral will be at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St Wednesday at 8:00 A.M.,with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 9:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours are 5 - 8 P.M. on Tuesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.