Santi Marion Grasselli

Santi Marion Grasselli, Jr. age 84, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Aultman Hospital at Canton.

A son of the late Santi M. Grasselli, Sr. and Ruby (Dotts) Grasselli, Santi, was born in the family home at New Philadelphia on November 11, 1929.

Following his graduation from New Philadelphia High School, Santi entered the United States Air force where he served as a turret gunner aboard the B-29 Bomber during the Korean War.

Santi returned to New Philadelphia where he worked for Joy Manufacturing for 30 years, retiring in 1993 as a Shop Assembly Foreman. Civically, he was a member of the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1145 and a Pilgrim Degree holder of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Anyone who knew Santi was familiar with his passion for the game of golf and for many years was involved with the Senior’s League at Five Waters Golf Course and during his golfing career was fortunate to have three holes in one. He also enjoyed league bowling at Kinser Lanes and took great pride in keeping his yard and home in near perfect condition. Above all, Santi enjoyed time spent with his family and loved having the opportunity to attend sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Santi is survived by his wife, the former Gloria V. Johnson whom he married on December 18, 1955; a son, Eugene “Yogi” (Brenda) Grasselli; grandchildren, Santi M. Grasselli, Nicole (Anthony) Grasselli- Geissinger all of New Philadelphia; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Hannah, and Jace Grasselli.

Completing the family are siblings, Ralph (Nancy) Grasselli of New Philadelphia, Betty (Hap) Cross of Barnhill, John (Sandi) Grasselli, Francis (Tim) Peters; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Grasselli all of New Philadelphia and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Santi was preceded in death by siblings, Jim Grasselli, Sally Osteen, Rose Penrod, Clara Grasselli, Marie Basiletti, Harold Grasselli, Joseph Grasselli, and his beloved boxer, Zeb.

The family will greet guests on Monday, June 2, 2014 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Santi’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 1:30 PM. Burial, with military honors will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the service all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

The family requests memorial contributions in Santi’s memory be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue, SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.