Albert Grilli

Albert J. Grilli, 92, died Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at his residence at Presbyterian Homes Waverly Gardens in North Oaks. He was born April 17, 1918 in Cumberland, Wisconsin to Anthony and Michelina (Palladino) Grilli. Albert was raised in Cumberland, Wisconsin where he graduated from Cumberland High School in 1936. He studied teaching at Barron County Normal School in Rice Lake, Wisconsin where he graduated in 1937, and worked for J. C. Penney. Later he worked for Montgomery Ward in St. Paul, Willmar, and Hibbing. Albert entered the U.S. Army, serving in World War II, after which he returned to Cumberland, working at the Cumberland Municipal Light Plant in 1946. On September 13, 1947, Albert married Adeline Zappa at St. Anthony Abbot Church in Cumberland. They moved to St. Paul and lived in the area of Hillcrest Shopping Center for 30 years. Albert worked briefly as a financial clerk at Yoerg's Brewery in St. Paul. He became a postal worker in 1948 and delivered mail for 30 years on the eastside of St. Paul. He was an active member of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Maplewood, volunteering for many parish functions and was a member of the Father Finley Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and was active in the National Association of Letter Carriers and American Legion. Nearing retirement, Albert and Adeline moved back to Cumberland, Wisconsin in 1978, residing on Beaver Dam Lake. Albert was employed by the Falcon Drill Company, and was active at St. Anthony Abbot Catholic Church in Cumberland. He remained active in the American Legion and was a member of the Father Shaney Council of the Knights of Columbus. They were residents of Amery, Wisconsin, and later Shoreview, Minnesota before living at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks. Albert is survived by his loving wife, Adeline; two sons, Thomas (Catherine) of Birchwood, Wisconsin, James of Woodbury; one daughter, Joanne (Osten) Smith of Lino Lakes; six grandchildren, Deanna (Robert) Halmes, Christina (John) Meador, David Grilli, Anna Grilli, Laura Grilli, and Kelsi Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Anthony Halmes. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles, and Frank; and three sisters, Angeline 'Angie' Zaccardi, Filomena 'Fluma' Ranallo, and Mae Muchulda. Visitation Sunday (TODAY) 4-7 PM with a prayer service beginning at 4pm at BRADSHAW, 4600 Greenhaven Dr. at Highway 96 (one mile west of 35E), White Bear. A Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 17, at 10:30 AM at ST. ANTHONY ABBOT CATHOLIC CHURCH, Cumberland, Wisconsin. Visitation one hour prior at church. The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at St. Anthony Abbot Cemetery, Cumberland. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bradshaw Funeral Home in White Bear, and Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland, Wisconsin.