Beloved son of the late Ruffo and Emma Grassi; dear brother of Felix “Phil” (Donna) Grassi, Anthony (Bonnie) Grassi, the late Joseph Grassi, and the late Anna Maria Grassi.
Loving uncle of Annamarie (Stan) Spera, Kristen (Robert) Epley, Gina Grassi-Kubacik, Lisa (John) Pirone, and Laura Grassi. Cherished great-uncle of Jessica, Joseph, the late Ellis, Darius, Emma, Grace, Faith, Dominic, John David, Emelia, and Vincent.
Father Grassi was a devoted priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, ordained in 1973, and spent more than five decades faithfully serving the Church and the people of Chicago. He was a faculty member at Quigley Seminary (South), was named Pastor of St. Josaphat Parish, and subsequently Pastor of St. Gertrude Parish. Upon retirement, he proudly served as Pastor Emeritus of St. Josaphat Parish.
Beyond his priestly ministry, Father Grassi was a renowned author and lecturer, a gifted chef, storyteller, and a devoted friend of labor. His warmth, wit, wisdom, and remarkable ability to bring people together touched countless lives throughout his years of ministry. Whether from the pulpit, around a table, through the written word, or in conversation with a friend, Father Grassi had a gift for connecting with people and making them feel welcomed, heard, and valued.
Above all, Father Grassi lived a life rooted in faith, service, family, friendship, and community. His legacy will live on in the parishes and communities he served, the people he taught and counseled, the family he loved, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life.
Father Grassi will lie in state at St. Josaphat Parish, 2311 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago 60614, on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 am, with His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich presiding. Private Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Father Grassi’s memory to Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, referencing #6292A.
May his generous spirit, enduring faith, and many stories continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
