OFFICIAL OBITUARY RELEASED

‘Coach’ To Many, Pat Grasso

Was ‘Pop Pop’ To Grandkids

Editor’s Note:  While recognitions of Pat Grasso have appeared  in several publications since the revered Laurens coach and athletic director passed away on Tuesday, the family released this official obituary this morning.

LAURENS – Pasquale J. Grasso “Pat”, 82, died on February 23, 2016 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Pat was born July 24, 1933, in Schenectady, the son of James William and Rose (Mazzotti) Grasso.  Pat graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1951 and graduated from Ithaca College in 1957.  Pat was a standout athlete who played football in high school and college. 

He married the love of his life, Marilyn Margaret McLaud, on Aug. 18, 1962, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oneonta.

Coach Grasso came to Laurens Central School in 1957 where he was named athletic director, a title he held until his death.  While at Laurens, Pat taught physical education and coached football, basketball, and baseball for over three decades.  Pat was the executive secretary/treasurer for the Tri-Valley League, as well as on several committees for the Section IV Athletic Association.  Pat was also the section IV representative to several committees of the NYSPHSAA and was inducted into the Section IV Hall of Fame in 1996.  

In addition, Pat was inducted as a charter member of the Laurens Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2008 dedication of the Pat “Coach” Grasso Gymnasium.   For many years, he was a volunteer fireman and an EMT on the Laurens Emergency Squad. 

While he was known to many as “Coach,” the name he cherished most was “Pop Pop,” the name given to him by his adoring granddaughters, Lydia and Emma.

He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Grasso Falardeau, son-in-law, John A Falardeau; his son, Michael James Grasso; his granddaughters, Lydia Rose Falardeau, Emma Grace Falardeau; his sister, Madelyn Damioli (Bruno Damioli); his brother, Lawrence Grasso (Gerry Grasso); his sister-in-law, Joyce Broe (James);  brothers-in-law, Maurice McLaud, Morton McLaud (Dorothy), David McLaud (Barbara);  sister-in-law,  Joan McLaud and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn M Grasso and his mother and father, James and Rose Grasso.

Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

 The funeral mass will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Pastor David Mickiewicz, as celebrant.

 At Noon following the funeral, all are welcome to join the family for a reception at the Laurens Central School to continue celebrating the life of Coach Grasso and have an opportunity to share memories. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Dr. Oneonta, NY 13820.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com