Marilyn M. Grillo – 90 – of 49 John St., Hornell, died early Thursday morning (May 14, 2020) at Elderwood of Hornell Nursing Facility, following a brief illness.
Born in Hornell on May 8, 1930, she was the daughter of Frank & Camilla (Angel) McClary.
Marilyn grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1949). While in high school, she began working, in many capacities, at the former Tuttle & Rockwell Store in Hornell, a job that she held from 1946-1950. She later was employed for several years as assistant manager and buyer at the former Cameo Shop in Hornell.
In the 1970’s, Marilyn acquired her Real Estate License and for several years served as a real estate agent for Winter’s Real Estate in Hornell. She later received her Broker’s License and began working for Real Inc. in Hornell. She retired in 2017 at the tender age of 87.
Marilyn was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was also a member of the Ladies of Columbus, St. James Auxiliary, G. Carducci Lodge (Son’s of Italy) and the Hornell Alumni Association.
Having a deep love & affection for her family and many friends, Marilyn loved entertaining at her home and always enjoyed the company of others. One of her favorite times of year was Halloween inviting all the neighborhood children into her decorated home to give them candy, cider and doughnuts. She also enjoyed sketching pictures on the hill at Kanakadea Park. She will be remembered as a genuine, giving, loving, compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her!!
Marilyn was married on January 13, 1951 to Joseph “Joe” Grillo who died July 22, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Fahl who died September 5, 2019.
Surviving are her son, Michael “Mike” Grillo of Hornell; her daughter, Mary (Stephen) Westfall of West Palm Beach, FL; her sister, Betty Jean (Gene) Saville of Port Charlotte, FL; her son-in-law, James Fahl of Avoca; 4 grandchildren, Eric (Misty) Grillo, Jessica (Rhett) Snyder, Brian (Jessica) Fahl and Stephen (Brittany) Westfall; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
Due to the Caronavirus Pandemic there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Ann’s Cemetery with Fr. Stan Kacprzak officiating. A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at a later date.
The Graveside Service for Marilyn will be streamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Monday at 2:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome. The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Marilyn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843
Dear Mike, Mary Camille, Steve and Betty Jean
This is really a tough one. My dear Marilyn lit up my life for as long as I’ve lived as my friend, buddy, classmate and kissin’ cousin. She was the heart of the HHS Class of 1949. I was always happy, content, loved and well-fed when in her company. The world is a lesser place with her absence. Know that she was loved by many and will be missed by all. Love, condolences and a hope to see you all in the future.
Dear Family Marilyn was such a wonderful lady. Always so beautiful and classy with the warm smile and ready laugh. My time with her was precious. May you find solace in knowing she will be truly missed by all who knew her. Betty
Marilyn was amazing, a true gem and a lady through and through. Her picture here is just beautiful and shows the smile that lit up the lives of so many. My deepest sympathy to her loved ones.