Carol Ann Grillo

Carol was born in Queens, NY on October 5, 1952 to Vincent and Fay Penna. She devoted her life caring for her family and supporting the many, often unconventional, business endeavors of her husband, Arthur, with humor and patience. She was an excellent cook and taught many members of the family her special recipes. Carol was creative, thoughtful, and deeply spiritual. Everyone who met her felt her love.

Carol grew up in Garden City Park, NY, and attended New Hyde Park Memorial High School. She was a gifted photographer, seeing beauty in the world that others might not. Her natural artistic gifts shaped her hobbies, like ceramics, throughout her life.

One of the most important moments of her life happened when she was only 14 years old, and she met her future husband, Arthur. From her teenage years on, Carol and Art were inseparable. She was the steady, consistent, support system that kept Art grounded. Throughout their lives, Carol poured herself into creating a warm, happy home filled with love, joy, and lots of meatballs. Her greatest joy was being with her family.

Carol is survived by her husband, Arthur, her children, Elaina Brennan (Michael), Thomas Grillo (Kate), brothers Frank Penna and Vincent Penna (Nancy), sister-in-law, Margaret Skulnik, and grandchildren, Jack, Emmet, Nora, and Theo. Carol is preceded in death by her beloved baby, Michael, sister-in-law, Maureen Penna, brother-in-law, David Skulnik, and parents Fay and Vincent Penna.

A service will be held at Woody's Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Rd, from 3 - 4pm on Monday, June 29. A visitation will follow from 4 - 5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carol's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation supporting Parkinson's Disease research.

Arrangements are being made for a July memorial service on Long Island. Details will be shared shortly.