Obituary: Josephine 'Jo' (Grillo) Stak, 86, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Josephine “Jo” (Grillo) Stak, with profound sadness we announce the passing of Josephine “Jo” (Grillo) Stak, 86.

She died peacefully at Watrous Nursing Home in Madison, January 1, 2021.

Jo was born March 24, 1934, in New York City to the late Frank and Mary Grillo. She grew up in Wallingford, went to public schools there and married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Stak, in 1955.

After raising her family, Jo joined her husband at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where she worked for 26 years as a parts inspector in North Haven.

She and Bob retired in 1992 and moved to Killingworth, where they were fixtures at St. Lawrence Church Masses and activities.

Jo loved to create, especially for others. Throughout her life she kept busy with cooking, baking and all types of needlecraft. She enjoyed tending to flowers in her gardens, and she had a flair for entertaining.

Dear sister to Camille and husband, George Denya, Ann and husband, Frank Lapico, and Flora Slomkowski, all of whom predeceased her. Fond sister-in-law to Stan Slomkowski of Middlefield.

Devoted mother to daughter Deborah and her husband, Mark of Northford, son Greg and his wife, Bernadette of Branford, and daughter JoAnn and her husband, Scott "Gus" of Springfield, VT.

Proud Nonna to grandsons Sean (Gloria) and Elliot (Jaclyn) Stak, granddaughters Stephanie Kirpan (Brian) and Gina Russo (Daniel), and step-grandsons Scott and Richard (Lindsey) Bregnard; great-grandchildren Leo, Lola and Levi Stak; and step-great-grandson Latham Bregnard. And loving Aunt Jo to many nephews and nieces.

Due to the current pandemic and for the safety of family and friends, her private funeral Mass will be livestreamed for all to see by visiting her web page at www.wallingfordfh.com on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to an Alzheimer's organization or your favorite charity.