Monroe Sebastian Grassi, 86, of Endwell, NY, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. Monroe was born in Endicott, NY to Yolanda “Violet” Petrolle Grassi and Michael Archangelo Grassi on October 7, 1936. Monroe grew up in Endicott, NY playing with over 70 first cousins. He attended St. Paul’s High School in Binghamton, NY where he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Caruso. After graduation, he worked at local family businesses, Grassi’s Grocery and Grassi Garbage Disposal. Monroe’s dream came true on July 12, 1958 when he married Patricia, to whom he was devoted to for over 65 years. They started their life and family together on Watson Blvd in Endicott, NY. Monroe had a successful career at IBM for over 30 years where he was loved and respected by all his colleagues. Monroe put his faith in God and family above all else. He was an active member of St. John’s Evangelist Church and volunteered in every event he could. Monroe took pride in raising his five daughters and enjoyed playing tennis, hunting and fishing with them. Monroe and Patricia retired to Canastota, NY where he spent his mornings fishing on Oneida Lake with his best friend and brother Archie. His evenings were spent watching the sunsets with his bride at the lake house that will forever hold cherished memories.
Monroe and Patricia were fortunate enough to spend their winters in Stuart, Florida, where Monroe enjoyed swimming and volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store and Mary’s Shelter. Monroe had a lasting impact on everyone he met with his kind demeanor, generosity, and unwavering ability to put others’ needs before himself.
Monroe was predeceased by his parents, Violet and Michael Archangelo Grassi; his infant son, Victor Joseph Grassi; his brothers Michael Archangelo (Archie) and Mark Grassi; and nephew Anthony Grassi.
Monroe is survived by his wife, Patricia Grassi of Endwell, NY, and their five daughters: Bernadette Ogozaly (Mark) of Endicott, NY; Regina Meno (Jim) of Binghamton, NY; Renee Grassi Terrell (Bill) of Binghamton, NY; Angela Grassi Flanagan (Neil) of Rye Brook, NY; and Nicole Grassi Smith (Bradford) of Rock Hill, NY. Monroe is also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he had a special relationship with each one and every one of them: Danielle, Ashley and Matthew Ogozaly (Chloe); Christie Meno Simonds (Patrick) and daughters, Sloan Regina and Harper Shea Simonds; Stephanie (fiancé, Ray Ruggerio), Marlie, and Nicholas Meno (fiancé, Mackenzie Harkenrider); Jack, Charlie and Kelly Flanagan. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Daniel (Meg) Grassi; sister-in-laws Linda Grassi, Trina Grassi, Bonnie Puterbaugh, Barbara (Frank) Langevin; brother-in-law James Caruso (Cheryl) and their respective families. Monroe is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved and spoke of dearly.
Monroe’s family would like to extend their gratitude to his team of healthcare providers who dedicated themselves to providing the best care available: Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes of Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dr. Ronald Harris of Broome Oncology, and Dr. Alan DeMaine of Lourdes Palliative Medicine. In addition, Monroe’s team in Florida: Dr. Alpana Desai, Dr. Benjamin Ngo, and Dr. James Melotek, as well as the many nurses, aides, and support teams at each respective facility, especially the Palliative Care team at UHS for their compassionate care.
A Catholic funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Church of the Holy Family at 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell, NY 13760. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00-11:00 am with Mass being celebrated at 11:00 am on October 10th.
In lieu of flowers please consider offering an act of kindness to someone in need to acknowledge the way Monroe lived his life, by “putting the wellbeing of others ahead of self.” Donations can be made to the Mercy House and the Danielle House.