Santo Joseph Grillo

On December 5, 2018, Santo Joseph Grillo, 85, passed away peacefully in Simi Valley, California.

Santo is survived by his wife, Paula Grillo of Simi Valley, California; daughter, Lisa Bradley; son-in-law, Brian K. Bradley; grandchildren, Samantha, Sean, Brianna, Brian Thomas and Gabriel Bradley; great-grandchildren, MacKinley and Reagan Bradley; and adoring pets, Francine Grillo and Zachary Bradley. Santo was preceded in death by his son, John Michael Grillo who passed in 2014 at the age of 53.

Santo Joseph Grillo was born February 18, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to Santo and Rosaria Grillo. Throughout Santo's life he was called Sam by his loved ones and friends. Sam lived in Brooklyn, New York and was the youngest in a large Italian family. His father passed on the same day he was born and this always resonated with him. His mother Rosaria, was a caring mother who left a positive impression with Sam throughout his life. After graduating Midwood High School, Sam joined the Air Force in 1953 serving in the Korean War. His assignment was with the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron stationed in George Air Force Base located in California. He later studied Industrial Engineering at New York City College of Technology where he utilized his education with a long career in the Semiconductor industry.

After the Air Force, Sam met his future love, Paula Monte. They married in 1958 and had a loving marriage of 60 years until his passing. Paula and Sam early in their marriage settled in Brentwood, New York, with their two children, John Michael and Lisa Rose. Sam later relocated the family to Southern California in 1973, where he lived out the remainder of his life.

Throughout the years Sam enjoyed time with his family, friends, his dogs, gardening, cooking, baking, loved working with his hands and a great all around handyman. He was always there to help anyone, had a generous heart throughout his life and long known for his great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by all.