Dorothy Fisher Grillo was born on February 25, 1922 in Stockton, CA to the late James Hiram Fisher and Lena Dofflemyer Fisher. Dorothy was a lifelong resident of Stockton. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Lena Fisher, her husband Dr. Italo J. Grillo, her son Dr. David H. Grillo, her cousins Leonard Dofflemyer, Robert Fisher and numerous aunts and uncles.
Dorothy is survived by her son Louis James “Jim” Grillo (Lucia) her granddaughters Jessica Grillo, and Amanda Hogue (Jason). Her great grandchildren Caleb Hogue and Cole Hogue, her daughter in law Dawn Grillo and cousins William “Billy” Dofflemyer (Marcie) and Hazel Dofflemyer.
Dorothy was an accomplished equestrian, beginning her riding career at the age of 9 years old. Her father bought her first horse. As she evolved in her career she obtained a new horse that she named “Port of Stockton”. Dorothy and “Port” traveled many distances to enter into State Fair Contests and other venues. Dorothy had many winning awards with “Port”. She was proud of her $1,000.00 award won at the Cow Palace. Each time she and “Port” would jump a hurdle she would shout to him “Up High baby”. In addition to her, many events she also rode with the Stockton Sheriff Pose for a number of years as the only female. Dorothy was also the only woman equestrian to be inducted in the Stockton Hall of Fame.
In 1947, Dorothy married Dr. Italo J. Grillo, together they raised two boys, Jim and David, in addition to becoming a housewife she taught disabled children to swim and belonged to several organizations. Dorothy served 2 times as First Lady of the Stockton Elk’s Lodge #218 – Once for her husband, Dr. Italo J. Grillo, and once for her son Louis J. Grillo.
Dorothy was an avid member of the National Emblem Club serving in the Stockton Chapter of Emblem club #226. She served 1 year as president and many years as Marshall. In Dorothy’s later years she joined the Stockton Iris Club (a social and charitable organization in existence since 1942).
All services will be private for Dorothy as per her request. In Lieu of flowers the Grillo family has asked all donations be made in Dorothy’s honor to St. Jude Children Hospital. The family wishes to thank Lillian Legaspi for her part time care of over 9 years and helping Dorothy's son Jim with her care. Dorothy enjoyed all the wonderful meals prepared by Lillian and her warm and graceful care. I love you mom.
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