Obituaries/Services

On March 3rd, 2023, we lost my mother, Aurora Grisanti. She was 87. A woman who faced Parkinson’s disease with eyes wide open and a commitment to facing its ravages as her faith in the Roman Catholic Church informed her. Inspired by the dignity and suffering of Pope John Paul II, she gathered her strength and went through this chapter in life as she witnessed his example. She faced life’s challenges in a way that was not obvious. Quietly, with force and with dignity. She was born in a rural village in Sicily in 1935. Her parents, Gustavo and Rosa, along with her four younger sisters: Carmela, Tina, Grace, and Rita, respectively, were an authentic example of a tight-knit immigrant family unlike many I’ve seen. They grew up in a meager existence of hard work, supported by their duty towards and love for each other. After enduring WWII, they then endured an agonizing separation from each other as they each traveled to America. My mother being the first to arrive, she traveled alone across the Atlantic at the age of 15 and embarked on the 11-day journey to her new life in America. She was embraced by her Uncle John and Aunt Mary, who helped facilitate the journeys of her and the entire family. It took an agonizing 6 years before she would be reunited with the rest of her family as they came here one or two at a time. Once united, they would never be separated again, passing to all of us the precious value of family. She was made whole by starting her own family with her pillar of strength - her husband, Frank. They brought Frank Jr and Bob into this world. She leaves us behind to carry forward her values, her traditions, and her memories. Aurora was blessed with two loving daughters-in-law: Jean, Frank’s wife, and Basia, Bob’s wife, as well as the thing that illuminated her heart - her granddaughters: Maegan and Julia. Her loving and devoted sisters will remember Aurora’s guidance, beauty, and dignity forever. We never lacked or wanted for anything, and we were always in her care. She and our father provided for us admirably with love, dedication, and generosity. Aurora did not pass through this life in obscurity. She will contribute to every dinner table and every one of life’s celebrations we are yet to have. Her indelible mark will keep us warm forever.

Visitation: Sunday, March 12 2:00 pm ~ 4:00 pm 6:00 pm ~ 9:00 pm

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, March 13, 11:00 am] Church of St. Finbar Brooklyn, NY

Internment: Oceanview Cemetery Staten Island, NY