Alfie's light was too bright to let it burn out so quickly. We offer this memorial page as a space to commune, to remember, to laugh and to carry on his life.
Below is a passage from Alfie's son Dominick -
"Dad passed away yesterday. It was painless and quick. Hooked up to all kinds of machines in the... see moreAlfie's light was too bright to let it burn out so quickly. We offer this memorial page as a space to commune, to remember, to laugh and to carry on his life.
Below is a passage from Alfie's son Dominick -
"Dad passed away yesterday. It was painless and quick. Hooked up to all kinds of machines in the hospital, tubes coming out of all kinds of places around his body, only a day after his sixty-eighth birthday and three days after celebrating forty-three wonderful years married to my mother, anyone would have understand and accepted if he was depressed, angry or even in denial at his predicament. But that wasn’t him.
He was happy.
He was so full of love, of pure joy all the way until the last moment. He was so content, so amazed at the great ride that had been his life. While I’m trying to keep a deluge from leaving my eyes, he’s still cracking jokes and making us all laugh.
I miss him so much. I sit in his living room recliner and shift through the various chicken-scratch hand written notes nearby and try to absorb every last twist and turn from his pen to the page. The sun cascades through the windows and it feels so good on my tired bones. I miss walking into that living room and seeing him in that same position, recliner all the way back, the sun draped across his body like a blanket. You could see his eyes closed and that wide, easy smile shining across the room.
That memory is only from a few days ago. It’s strange how quickly things can change. His life ends and ours continue trudging onward. He wouldn’t want us to dwell in sadness. He’d want a celebration of life, he’d want fun, he’d want a party.
I’m getting there, Dad, just give me a moment.
In the meantime, I’ll have a Budweiser (his beer of choice), I’ll sit in the sun, I’ll listen to some Zappa or Tom Waits or maybe the birthday playlist I made for him that he never had a chance to enjoy, I’ll focus on his endless, all-encompassing love, and I’ll try to get some sleep tonight. Love you Dad."
For the moment, a small memorial will be hosted at The Grillo Farm for a very small contingent of family. In the spring, we will celebrate his life with a larger memorial gathering.
We saw Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn & Shemekia Copeland in Trenton & had fantastic 4th row seats. Buddy Guy came down the stairs & stood directly beside Alfie while playing his guitar. We all loved it & I hope it was a memory Alfie carried... moreWe saw Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughn & Shemekia Copeland in Trenton & had fantastic 4th row seats. Buddy Guy came down the stairs & stood directly beside Alfie while playing his guitar. We all loved it & I hope it was a memory Alfie carried in his happiest of hearts. We miss our concert pal & send our love to all who are broken hearted by the loss. less
There were few public gigs with Joe where Alfie wouldn't be there to support the band, Joe and the music. He was kind, supportive and very funny. Alfie had a big heart with an infectious personality. His big smile lit up a room and he was lots of fun to... moreThere were few public gigs with Joe where Alfie wouldn't be there to support the band, Joe and the music. He was kind, supportive and very funny. Alfie had a big heart with an infectious personality. His big smile lit up a room and he was lots of fun to talk to. Just a great guy! Alfie - you will be missed. less
Alfie is the only person I know who would be this happy to receive a bottle of my dad’s homemade wine. No party will be complete without him. He was so much fun, and had a heart of gold. On the day before my 40th birthday, Alfie told me not to worry... moreAlfie is the only person I know who would be this happy to receive a bottle of my dad’s homemade wine. No party will be complete without him. He was so much fun, and had a heart of gold. On the day before my 40th birthday, Alfie told me not to worry about getting older because life keeps getting better and better. I will miss all the laughs (especially those at my dad’s expense), the advice, his outlook on life. He was truly one of a kind. less
My whole life I have had the love, support and security of my brother Alfie. He was my concert buddy, my problem solver my sounding block. We were buddies from the time we were children. As we became adults our bond grew stronger and so did our respect... moreMy whole life I have had the love, support and security of my brother Alfie. He was my concert buddy, my problem solver my sounding block. We were buddies from the time we were children. As we became adults our bond grew stronger and so did our respect and love for each other. Anyone who knew him wanted more of him. He was that guy. Wherever I went, somebody knew him just at the mention of his name. It was followed by “ Alfie’s your brother, what a great guy”. And a fun story would follow.
Our family has lost a beacon of light and I’m not sure how to navigate without it. I love you Alfie beyond this world. Until we meet again farewell. less
Alfie brought so much joy to our lives for over 50 years. We are so blessed to have shared so many happy times with him, from music, concerts and parties to having him in our wedding and our children’s lives throughout our years of friendship. He... moreAlfie brought so much joy to our lives for over 50 years. We are so blessed to have shared so many happy times with him, from music, concerts and parties to having him in our wedding and our children’s lives throughout our years of friendship. He brought so much laughter, optimism and love to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. We will cherish all our memories forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all whose lives he touched.
John and Sharon Liszczak less
I met the amazing Alfie & Janet and their goats back in the early 1980's and was ecstatic when they settled less than a mile from me. A joyful family made more so as Grace and Dom showed up. His plumbing expertise and sensible solutions were merely a... moreI met the amazing Alfie & Janet and their goats back in the early 1980's and was ecstatic when they settled less than a mile from me. A joyful family made more so as Grace and Dom showed up. His plumbing expertise and sensible solutions were merely a bonus for having Alfie's presence in our house. Always a humorist and optimist, his hugs and smile will be missed by masses of friends, many of them only customers to start with. A true gem! less
My Heart embraces the Grillo family during this difficult time. Our family as i am sure many others were fortunate to have Alfie come into our lives, as it started with a phone call looking for a plumber to a friendship that has been ever since. ... moreMy Heart embraces the Grillo family during this difficult time. Our family as i am sure many others were fortunate to have Alfie come into our lives, as it started with a phone call looking for a plumber to a friendship that has been ever since. Alfie's smile and down to earth personality along with his great sense of humor , always would make us smile. I have been honored to have shared so many laughs with him along the way.
Always in our Hearts and minds, Steve , Lisa and Matthew less
Alfie was the life of the party. When he came into a room, he just lit it up. When we were kids he loved to go fishing with Uncle Jack , Eric and myself during our family vacations. The tradition continued when we used to go fishing with Nicco on the... moreAlfie was the life of the party. When he came into a room, he just lit it up. When we were kids he loved to go fishing with Uncle Jack , Eric and myself during our family vacations. The tradition continued when we used to go fishing with Nicco on the Delaware with my boat. He always had something funny to say no matter what the situation. . Alfie loved his family and was the go to guy when you needed something done. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He adored his children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. We will never forget the way we were all enriched by this great man. less