Joseph Oscar Grippi

Joseph Oscar Grippi, 81, of 12392 Vanhorne Rd., Meadville, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017, at Meadville Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born in Meadville, on September 15, 1935, a son of the late Samuel Alexander and Margaret (Tedesco) Grippi.

On February 6, 1960 Joe married Virginia "Ginny" Koehler; she survives.

He was a member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Meadville.

A 1955 graduate of Meadville High School, Joe was the star half back of the football team where he was known as the "galloping ghost" because of his speed. After high school Joe entered the US Navy on December 2, 1955 and served aboard the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier until his honorable discharge on August 19, 1957. Following his discharge he worked as a bar tender at the former Village Tavern as well as the Hunting and Fishing Club. In 1961 Joe graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and became employed as an aircraft mechanic in Long Beach, NY until moving back to Meadville in 1964. Upon his return to town he began working for the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad, retiring in 1999 from the Conway Yard of Conrail Railroad. He worked as both a welder and car man. An active, lifetime member of the Italian Civic Club (ICC), Joe was also an active member of Vernon Central and a social member of VFW Post #2006. Joe had many varied interests. He had an appreciation for Tiffany lamps. He enjoyed camping as well as closely following the stock market, following the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, bowling at the Eagles Club and golfing in his Senior League at Whispering Pines. He was proud to have obtained a hole in one at Venango Golf Course. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing baseball. Joe loved time spent with his family; he especially delighted in his grandchildren while teasing them and making them laugh. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, Ginny, of 57 years, Joe is survived by a daughter Debbie Patton and her husband Keith of Erie, two grandchildren Killian Patton, Kaitlyn Patton, two brothers John B. Grippi of Erie, Alex S. Grippi and his wife Janet of Florida, a brother in law and sister in law Bill and Gerry Wensel of Meadville, two nieces Julie Ann and Carla and their families, two nephews John and Robbie and their families and an aunt, Mary Grippi, of Meadville

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a son John Alexander Grippi, who passed away in 1973, and an infant sister.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 2-6 PM at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Scripture Service will be held at 5:30 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St. Meadville, with Fr. Tom Trocchio, Parochial Vicar, officiating.

Joe will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp., with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vernon Central Fire Hall, 16589 McMath Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com