SURRY
Joseph A. Grimaldi of Surry died peacefully on the morning of Oct. 20, 2019. He was born in Brighton, Mass., on March 3, 1924, to Luigi Grimaldi and Caroline (Evangelista) Grimaldi.
Joe grew up in Boston during the Great Depression, the fifth of 10 children (infant Josephine, not to be forgotten). He served in Germany during WWII with the 78th Division, earning a Bronze Star. He captured the events of his war experiences in a book he published in 2012 titled “A Visit to Hell 1944-1945.” After the war, he met and married Mary DeAmbrose (his Irish Rose) of Waltham, Mass. They wed in Boston on June 25, 1949. Together, he and his wife had three children, Carol A. Hoffses, John A. Grimaldi and Janice M. Grimaldi, and later had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Attending Northeastern University from 1950 to 1955, Joe earned a degree in civil engineering. He worked for Exxon in Boston until retiring to Surry in 1979. Joe was a natural-born artist, creating many beautiful oil paintings. He loved playing the organ, and started a local music group on Newbury Neck called The Neckelodians. The group hosted many musical parties and performed at several nursing homes in the area. Joe was a skilled poker player with his Wednesday card group. A member of the group once said of his winnings, “Joe, you can’t take it with you!” He quickly responded, “If I can’t take it with me, I ain’t going.”
Joe organized an investment club with his neighbors and stayed active trading stocks until his “last breath” with the help of his caregivers. He will be remembered for his incredible memory, quick wit and ability to connect with people … to the very end. His wife, Mary, departed this world March 11, 2014. He now stands by her side once again. We all love you both.
The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and Joe’s caregivers for their exceptional care during the past few months.
Friends are invited to a graveside service Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at Morgan Bay Cemetery on Cross Road in Surry.
Those wishing to remember Joe in a special way may buy themselves a share of Exxon stock and vote Republican.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.