HOOKSETT, N.H. — Robert Joseph Grella, 85, of Hooksett, N.H., formerly of Lynn and Saugus, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at Catholic Memorial Hospital in Manchester.
Born in Everett, he was the son of the late Anthony and Joan (Chrisafulli) Grella, and former husband of Margaret (Ramsdell) Grella and is survived by his longtime companion Gail Restalli of Hooksett, N.H. He attended Saugus schools and graduated from Saugus High School where he played hockey and participated with duties on the football team.
He was employed by General Electric prior to his enlistment in the United States Navy where he was stationed in San Diego, Calif., prior to deployment to Guam during the Korean War. He was known as “Popeye.” He also worked for the United States Postal Service prior to retirement and worked locally as a self-employed mason.
Coach Grella participated in the development of Lynn and Nahant Youth Hockey where he coached and mentored the city’s youth, teaching them how to skate at the hockey clinic, while coaching traveling teams and in-house teams. Robert also coached Central Little League and Babe Ruth in the city of Lynn, and played hockey in the General Electric City League.
Robert is survived by his three sons, Robert Grella and his late wife Sharon of Beverly, Kevin Grella of Lynn, Michael and his wife Cecilia of Saugus and former wife Josephine; three daughters, Kathie Porter and her husband Rusty, Debbie Grella and her companion Patrick O’Connor, Karen Watler and her husband Harold; his brother, Tom Grella of Amherst, N.H.; his sisters, Dolores Caggiano and Patricia Copeland, both of Saugus; 12 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Service information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob’s memorial service on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. in the NADWORNY Funeral Home, 798 Western Ave., Route 107, Lynn, MA 01905. Interment in Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. Visiting hours will be before the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For directions and guest book nadwornyfuneralhome.com. A celebration of life will be held after the graveside service at the Knights of Columbus, Lynnfield Street, Lynn.