Neil M. Gruppo, 95, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Niagara Hospice House. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony and Pasqualina (Bianco) Gruppo.
Neil was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, until his honorable discharge in 1947.
Upon his discharge, Neil returned home and was employed by the N.F. Board of Education where he served as the Union Leader. Neil then became the Niagara Falls City Parks Director for many years prior to retiring in 1991.
On June 23, 1951, he married his beloved wife, Mary H. (Brooks) Gruppo, in St. Joseph Church. Mary later predeceased him in 2016, after 65 loving years together.
Neil was a former chairman on the board of directors of the Niagara Community Action Program and served as a past president on the board of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Niagara County (Empower). He was also a former board member for the Niagara County SPCA.
Neil was an accomplished baseball player competing in several leagues throughout the area where he contributed to many of his team’s championship titles. In 2009, he was inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame.
Neil was an avid golfer and looked forward to organizing an annual trip to Cross Creek Resort in Pennsylvania with his son, Neil, his nephews and countless friends. He was also a passionate fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Notre Dame Football.
In his younger years, he enjoyed vacationing to Florida and Italy. Most memorable was a trip to his parent’s hometown in Italy with his grandsons, Adam and Mario.
Neil lived for the time spent with his family, especially during the holidays. His utmost pride and joy in life were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he was so proud of.
Mr. Gruppo is survived by his children, Linda (Keith) Radford, Cheryl (Mario) Nardelli, Neil (Rhonda) Gruppo and Nancy (John) Colucci; his grandchildren, Noelle (Eric) McGuire, Dr. Adam (Michelle) De Fazio, Daniel (Lindsay) Gruppo, Mario (Jillian) Colucci, Cara Nardelli, Anthony (Danielle) Gruppo, Alexa (Tony) De Fazio-Abrego and Katie (Anthony) Sanford, and was predeceased by his cherished grandson Eric De Fazio. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Maximus and Mia McGuire, Azzurra, Lucia and Julian De Fazio, Liliana and Carlotta Colucci, Stella Gruppo, Emiliano Abrego and was happily awaiting another great-granddaughter. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Neil was predeceased by all of his siblings, Josephine (late Rocky) Caprio, Dolores (late Joseph) Brigante, Bessie (late Peter) Nicosia, Constance (late John) Barber, Nancy (late Anthony) Travis, Marion (late Richard) Buscemi, Mae (late Louis) Trapasso and Daniel (late Lillian) Gruppo.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 4 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Neil’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Military honors and entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice House. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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