John F. Grillo

John F. Grillo was born in 1943 in southwestern Pennsylvania. He came from a proud family of steel mill workers and coal miners. 

Growing up in Monongahela, PA, he enjoyed playing baseball with his friends and developed a lifelong love for music. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. degree in Microbiology. After working as a metallurgist for the Crucible Steel Company, he resumed his education, earning a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Cornell University. Residing in Gurnee, IL with wife, Gloria, and sons, John and Mark, he worked for Abbott Laboratories and later Hospira. John was the one who helped his sons learn to play their instruments for school band programs. The family enjoyed being in nature with hikes, camping and canoeing. He was a Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 78. He passed away over the July 4 holiday weekend in 2026 from Alzheimer's dementia. 

He was preceded in death by father, John, mother, Vivian, and brother, George.

 He is survived by wife, Gloria, son, Mark, and granddaughter, Terynn, in Illinois; by son, John, in Rhode Island; by sister, Rosemary and sister-in-law, Deborah, in Pennsylvania; and nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Services will be private for the family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy .