September 3, 1938 – February 19, 2026
Larry J. Grassi, 87, of Norwood, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on February 19th, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. Larry will be remembered for his kindness, patience, and his unwavering habit of putting others before himself.
Born in Harlem, New York, in 1938 to Angelina Mancuso and Joseph Grassi, Larry moved to Norwood with his family in 1944 to join their relatives, the D’Ercoles. He enjoyed a happy childhood spending time playing on the farm alongside his cousins and 12 siblings. Even in his final days, Larry was still reciting his brothers’ and sisters’ names all in birth order:
- Lucille Zangara (Ziggy)
- Frank Grassi
- Joseph Grassi (Sandy nee Piana)
- Sally Ann Koza
- Anna Marie Grassi
- Camille Reid (Archie)
- Maria Coppola (John)
- Geraldine Devlin (Ronnie)
- Jeannie Catapano (Lenny)
- Natalie Coppola (Mary Lou)
- Angela Warren (John)
- Diana Grossman (Glenn)
In early adulthood, Larry spent a number of years living at sea on oceanographic research vessels. He travelled the world to places like Japan, Hawaii, and Spain; he transited the Panama Canal numerous times and climbed the famous 12,389-foot Mount Fuji.
After returning to Bergen County, Larry married Elaine Rourke (d. 1989), and in Norwood raised three sons – Lawrence, Stephen and Michael. Larry was a mainstay of the community, serving as an officer and life member of the Norwood Ambulance Corp. He was one of the founding coaches of the Norwood youth soccer program and was a Scout leader for years. He owned fuel and service stations in Norwood and Closter, where he was known for providing 24-hour towing with his 1947 GMC tow truck—often charging friends little to nothing for the help. Larry, Elaine and the boys were members of Immaculate Conception Church.
Larry later worked for the Northern Valley Regional and Norwood Public School districts, eventually retiring as a maintenance supervisor. Even in retirement, he stayed active as a crossing guard at Blanch Ave and Summit St, where he made it a point to know every child by name. He enjoyed great times with friends at his weekly poker and bocce games, and was lucky enough to find a great group of men who shared his unapologetic culinary taste, becoming a member the “Chicken Liver Lover’s” club.
For the last 20 years, Larry shared his life and experiences with his companion, Patricia Jackson. Together they enjoyed gardening, trips to Atlantic City, cruises and spending time with friends.
Larry is survived by his three sons, three daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren:
- Lawrence Grassi and wife Karen Latimer of Ridgewood; children Madelyn, Serena, Lorelei, Charles, and Shane.
- Stephen Grassi and wife Lyzzette (nee Jugo) of Norwood; children James and Daniel.
- Michael Grassi and wife Tracy (nee Anastasi) of Harrington Park; children Noelle, Alyssa, and Mikey.
Affectionately known as Pop Pop by his grandchildren, his unconditional love will stay with them always. His root beer floats, anecdotes and his making of spontaneous gourmet breakfasts will be forever missed.
This wonderful man leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility and generosity.
Service Information
- Visitation: Sunday, February 22nd, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale.
- Funeral Mass: Monday, February 23rd, 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood.
- Interment: Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corp, P.O. Box 8, Norwood, NJ 07648, or
Safe Routes to School https://saferoutespartnership.org/
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