Salvatore Grippardi

Salvatore "Sam" Grippardi, 88, a longtime resident of Union, N.J., died peacefully at home on March 31.


Visitation will be at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave., Union, N.J., on Tuesday, April 3, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 4, at 9:15 a.m. at St. James the Apostle Church in Springfield, N.J. Relatives and friends are invited at 8 a.m. at the funeral home.


Born in Newark, N.J., Sam was a World War II Army veteran who served for three years with the 459th Bomb Group as a tail gunner on a B-24. First employed by Triangle Tool Company (1945 to 1969), he then founded Dynaco Automation (1969 to 1985) with partners and longtime friends, Charles Beelitz, Charles Mortensen and George York. During his long retirement, Sam took great pleasure in Sunday dinners with his boisterous, tight-knit family, and in retreating to the quiet of his den when he'd had enough.


He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Josephine Grippardi; daughter, Diane Crowley; son, Paul Grippardi and partner, Kevin Bentley; grandchildren, Julianne Crowley, and Jared P. Crowley and wife, Toni; great-grandchild, Chase; step-great-grandchildren, Destinee and Devin, and brother, Peter. He was predeceased by siblings, Joseph and Anthony Grippardi, and sisters, Mildred DiCataldo and Nancy Daluesio. He is also survived by many devoted nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends, and will be missed by all who loved him. His family is grateful to Atlantic Home Care and Hospice.