Joseph A. Grisafi

Joe was born in the Bronx, New York to the late Anna Anastasia and Pellegrino Grisafi on May 30, 1931.

He grew up on Arthur Avenue and loved returning to the old neighborhood for a delicious Italian meal and to visit his childhood home. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and went on to take post high school graduate courses at Columbia University with a focus on fashion merchandising. He worked as a creative and merchandising director of textiles and traveled the world for Cone Mills and various other global textile and denim companies. His lifelong love of fashion was apparent to all who knew him. He was a proud veteran who served in the Korean War in Japan. Joe married the love of his life, Harriet in 1964; they were married for 59 wonderful years. Harriet and Joe raised their three children in Greenburgh, Westchester County, NY.

A true extrovert, Joe’s gift of the gab was legendary, and he could talk to anyone, about anything. He truly never met a stranger. Physically active into his 90s, Joe woke up every morning to do push-ups and take a long walk on the beach. He also loved to dance and he and Harriet were always the first couple on the dance floor at any occasion. Joe was a great lover of history, languages (he spoke three), religion and geography and could talk about any subject. He took up still life and nature photography later in life and had multiple photo exhibitions. He used his creative flair to make his art unique. Joe was a lifelong New York Yankee fan, attending many games and making great memories. A true Bronx Bomber, sharing these loves and passing them on to his children and grandchildren. Having always wanted to retire at the beach, Joe found his personal paradise in Pompano Beach, Florida, living across the street from the pier for the last 22 years of his life.

Above all else, Joe loved his family. He treasured his children and grandchildren, along with his extended family. He also nurtured life-long friendships and made so many wonderful new friends along the way. Those who love him, of which there are many, will miss his humor, intelligence, warmth, and kindness. Joe was known for his individual swagger and left a true impression on everyone.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles Grisafi. He is survived by his wife, Harriet, his children Joe (Jennifer) Grisafi, Andrew (Lisa) Grisafi and Lora Grisafi; and his grandchildren, Tyler, Jeremy, Lucas and Brandon.

Funeral services and burial arrangements are being handled by Kraeer Funeral Home in Pompano Beach, Florida with the burial taking place at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida with military accreditations and honors. Date and details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society (for Leukemia) here: https://donate.cancer.org and dedicate the donation in memory of Joseph A. Grisafi

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeerpompanobeach.com for the Grisafi family.