Marie “Nettie” Yaccarino Grillo, 82, of North Haven, departed this life on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Hospital of St. Raphael with her husband and family at her side. Beloved wife of forty years to Nicholas J. Grillo. Born in Staten Island, New York on May 8, 1929; daughter of the late Daniel Yaccarino, Sr. and Mary Tafuri Yaccarino. Marie came to New Haven when she was thirteen, and worked in the New Haven Clock Shop; in later years she worked side by side with her husband and children hosting card shows with famous autographed sports stars and working with her daughter Theresa at her deli. Marie loved baking, cooking, making her famous pickled eggplant for everyone, crocheting blankets, liked to take trips with her husband to Saratoga and County Fairs all over New England, was a parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Church in North Haven but most of all spending time with her husband and large extended family. Marie was a devoted daughter to her late mother, taking care of her throughout her illness. Loving mother of Theresa Arnold, Stephen (Judy) Dest, Laura Dest, Nancy (Paul) Cuomo. Grandmother of Anthony Cuomo, Carol Lewia, Michael Barretta, Danielle Fedor, Rachel Ricca, Michelle and Paul Cuomo, Pamela Dest.
Great-grandmother of Taylor Cuomo, Ethan Fedor, Gianna Barretta, Kailey Lewia, Eva Fedor, Erika Cuomo, Adrianna Barretta, Claire and Reilly Lewia, Lucianna Chirco, Michael Barretta, Jr. and Mia Ricca all of whom she loved and adored. Sister of Daniel (Ruth) Yaccarino, Joseph (Regina) Yaccarino, Arlene Yaccarino and the late Louis and Vincent Yaccarino. Also survived by sister-in-laws Mary and Madeline Yaccarino, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Predeceased by son-in-laws Neal Cuomo and Art Arnold.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Friday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Frances Cabrini Church at 10:00. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Food For Friends Campaign, P.O. Box 8686, New Haven, CT 06513.