It is with great sadness that the family of David John Grassi announces his passing on
Thursday, October 4th, 2018 in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the age of 89.
He was born to Elisa (Bianconi) and Desiderio Grassi on July 13, 1929 in Detroit,
Michigan. His father passed away shortly before he was born, and he was raised,
along with his older brother John Grassi, by his mother Elisa in Detroit.
Family was always Dave’s top priority. On October 13th, 1957, David married the
love of his life, Frances Mary Troszak. They remained married for 54 years,
until her death in 2011. He is survived by 4 children, David of Chicago,
Illinois, Deborah Bianconi of Hillsdale, Pamela (Michael Barden) of St. Joseph,
Michigan and Cynthia (Jeffry Campeau) of Canton, Michigan. He is also survived
by grandsons Michael Barden, Nicholas Barden, Joshua Campeau, James Campeau and
Jakob Campeau.
David graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Detroit, Michigan and went on to
obtain his Bachelor’s degree in History from Wayne State University. In 1971,
he graduated from the University of Detroit with a Master’s degree in High
School Counseling. He first worked at St. Clements High School in Centerline,
Michigan as a history teacher, eventually moving up to counselor and principal.
In 1972, he took the job of assistant principal at Jonesville High School in
Jonesville, Michigan, retiring from that position in 1995.
David loved reading, sailing his pontoon boat, and Italian food! He was a lifelong
member of the Elks Lodge #1575, the Michigan Education Association and the
National Education Association, and a long time member of St. Anthony’s Roman
Catholic Church in Hillsdale, Michigan. His last years were spent at The
Whitcomb in St. Joseph Michigan, where he was involved in many groups and clubs, and
leaves many good friends.
A Requiem Mass to celebrate the life of David John Grassi will be held at St. Anthony’s
Roman Catholic Church in Hillsdale, Michigan on Thursday, October 18th, 2018 at
11 a.m. with visitation at the church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St.
Anthony Catholic Cemetery, with a reception following in the church social
area. In lieu of flowers, the family requests masses be offered for David
& Frances Grassi, or donations made to Lakeland Hospice at https://www.lakelandhealth.org/caring-circle/give-now/donate.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Purely Cremations, Benton Harbor.