PLEASE NOTE SERVICE TIMES HAVE CHANGED AGAIN.
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 HAS CHANGED
- Visitation is Tuesday, February 24 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale, NJ
- Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 25 at 10AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Norwood, NJ
- 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/
I am so very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing, I grew up with larry an all his siblings an all the D’ercoles, where Larry an his mom an dad an kids lived upstairs at the farm house. I lived right nex to the farm on Glanz Ave, We played together, woud sled ride down the hill an there was always some of the kids working on the farm. God bless you larry an heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family.
My Mother AnnaMarie Remembers you very well! She sends her ❤️
You will be missed Larry
You were the Best neighbor and friend anyone could ever have
I will think of you often
Best Soccer Coach Ever. Why do we always learn such amazing details about a person in their passing? What a beautiful tribute written about a great man. He was always so incredibly kind to us – he helped our family time and time again, most notably with our 1972 green Chevy Nova 🙂 Our love and prayers go to Larry, Stephen and Michael – my sense is our Mom’s are up there together, welcoming your Father with open, loving arms…
Sending you a distant hug, and very much wish we could be with you at this time. In peace and with love, Jennifer (krokus) Cooper and family…
To my Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins, I am truly saddened to hear of Uncle Larry’s passing. I will keep you all in my prayers , as you go through the next days and weeks to come. My love and prayers to all.
We have known Larry most of our lives. He was a wonderful man.
To all the Grassi siblings and their families, my sincere condolences. Larry was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend. He will be missed.
We are heartbroken to lose a man who left such a great legacy. I know there is a great celebration in heaven because it has been a long time since so many of our dear departed relatives reunite again with our Larry. Our loving family will one day welcome us home. Much love and big hugs to Pat and Larry, Stephen, Michael, and their wives and children. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Larry has been my neighbor for almost 30 years. He’s been generous and kind. He was incredibly supportive when my husband died. I will miss him very much. May his memory be a blessing to his family.
Larry, Stephen and Michael – I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was always so sweet and I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Uncle Larry. I’m so sad, but also thankful that his passing was peaceful and that he was surrounded by family and friends. This obituary is a beautiful tribute (I had no idea he climbed Mt. Fuji!). He was so loved and will be greatly missed. ❤
Larry, you are the finest most gentle man. You always made my day a little brighter and I will miss our Red Maple breakfast conversations. Bless you.
My condolences to your family.
Larry, Stephen, and Michael we are so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You are all in our thoughts. We are sorry we are not able to be there to honor him at his services.
Larry you will be missed by everyone whose life you touched. Larry and Elaine were our first neighbors when we moved into Livingston St. We loved living there with the Grassi family next door. Larry always brought a smile and was the kindest man. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Larry, Michael, Stephen, and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of your dad. Growing up in Norwood in the 90s, it felt like he was everywhere. Whether in the halls of Norwood Public School, spending time with my father, or most memorably, greeting me each day as my crossing guard on the walk to school, he was always kind and welcoming. He had a special way of making a kid feel seen and important, and that meant more than you can imagine.
I know how deeply he will be missed, but I also like to think he is smiling and enjoying himself in Heaven, maybe even back with the “Chicken Liver Lovers Club.”
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
James Puliatte and Family
To the Grassi Family, I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I remember him fondly from my childhood. He always had a smile on his face and he was such a warmhearted person.
To all the Grassi family, Ed & Barbara send our condolences to all of you for the passing of Larry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.