Obituary of Louis Nicholas Grella

NAUGATUCK - Louis “Lou” N. Grella, 78 passed away on June 22, 2017 with his wife at his side at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Born in Waterbury, CT on March 18, 1939, Lou lived most of his life in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury.  He was the son of the late Gelemo (Jerry) and Josephine (Santoro) Grella.

Lou attended Barnard Grammar School and Leavenworth High School in Waterbury.  After high school, he enlisted in the Army, serving 3 years with the military police battalion in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 521st Division. 

Lou held the office of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree #33 and 125th Councils.  He also held the positions of Grand Knight, Treasurer, Faithful Navigator, Commander and District Deputy on the State Council.  Lou devoted 28 years of his life to the Knights of Columbus and he worked very hard to make his Council successful.

Lou drove a tractor trailer for 42 years with Coil Plus in Waterbury.  He was active in St. Francis Church as an usher for many years before serving as a Eucharistic Minister for 15 years. 

Lou is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nicoletta “Nettie” (Constantino) Grella; his 2 daughters, Annette Grella, and Krista (Grella) Hess and her husband N. Warren "Pete"; his two grandchildren, Carter, (10 years old) and Gianna (8 years old) Harnish; his two brothers, Albert Grella and his wife Charlotte of Waterbury and Jerry Grella and his wife Sue of Waterbury; his two grand-dogs Beaumont and Capone as well as several nieces and nephews.  Besides his infant son, Stephen L. Grella, Lou was predeceased by two sisters, Joan Datzuk of Waterbury and Beverly Stokes of Waterbury. 

Lou’s family would like to thank the staff at All About You for the wonderful care of Lou.  You were a great bunch of caregivers who were always able to get Lou to smile and who never took no for an answer.   

Arrangements – A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 28th 10:15 a.m. from the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. to St. Francis Church, 318 Church St. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.  Burial will immediately follow at All Saints Cemetery in Waterbury.  Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 27th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naugatuck Food Bank, 75 Spring Street, Naugatuck or St. Francis Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck.