Mr. John J. Grico

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2016, Mr. John J. Grico went to play poker with the Lord when he passed away in the dignity of his home at the age of 70. Born in Utica on May 19, 1946, John was the son of the late Peter J. and Rose M. (Villelo) Grico. His family moved to Brooklyn when he was very young, but in his later childhood years, they relocated back to Utica where he was raised and educated. A proud veteran of the United States Army, John honorably served his country from 1966-1969 during the Vietnam War. He was joined in marriage with the former Cindy Wheeler, a union that was blessed with two children.. John entered a second union with the former Janet Meyers which was also blessed with two children. John’s primary career was at the Bank of Utica where he worked as a Loan Officer, but his dream job was to be a door attendant at a New York City Hotel where he would meet multitudes of people every day and say, “Thank you, and have a nice day!”. John loved his family. He had a big heart and was beyond loyal to his own blood. He raised and loved his children, step-children, and grandchildren and was a father-figure to many. He took pleasure in his pastime of Friday Night Poker with his pals, and in his healthy years, he enjoyed nature, camping, and outdoor sports including fishing. He was known to partake in pushing his luck with games of chance, even at the track. At one time, John was a member of the Disabled American Veterans/Leo B. Wheeler Stars & Stripes Chapter #82. John is survived by his daughters and their loves, Deani Johnson, Casey Grico, Kelly Rae and Anthony Valeriano, and Janelle and Justin Beaulieu; his grandchildren, Anthony, Tamrah, Cheyenne, Taylor; Jonathan, Vivian, Kody, Milano; Carter, and Phoebe; and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, James Cooper of Texas. He was predeceased by his infant son, Dean Peter Grico; his great-granddaughter, Makiah Renee Johnson; and his sister, Janet M. Grico-Cooper. The family will honor and commemorate John’s life privately. Inurnment will take place in Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. John J. Grico

May 19, 1946 - December 31, 2016