Richard F. Grassley, 75

Richard F. Grassley, 75, of East Providence, formerly of Seekonk, Mass. died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at Rhode Island Hospital.He was 75.

He was the husband of the late Marie Ann (Canard) Grassley for 41 years. Born on Aug. 3, 1937 in Montreal, Canada, he was the son of the late Howard and Rose Marie (Sarvas) Grassley.

Grassley grew up in Sharpsville, Pa. and graduated from Sharpsville High School. After graduation he joined the US Navy and began boxing during his time in the Navy.

He met his wife while he was stationed in Newport. He continued boxing professionally after the Navy, and succeeded in matches all over the US.

He started Grassley Roofing Company in 1960, succeeding over the years mostly in the Providence area, specializing in repairing slate roofs. His sons later joined him in the family business.

“Bing” or “Ziggy”, as he was known in his family, was a very devoted father and grandfather. He enjoyed travelling with his wife all over the world but also loved returning to his “Second Home” of Newport. Grassely was a member and served as vice president of the Fox Point Boxing Association and was an active member with the Providence YMCA.

He is survived by his children, Richard A. Grassley of Attleboro, Mass., Michael B. Grassley, Donna Marie Grassley, and Paul J. Grassley and his wife Rose, all of East Providence; a brother, Joseph Grassley of Sharpsville,and three grandchildren, Stephanie, Vanessa and Adrianna Grassley and one great-grandson, Carter.

Calling hours will be held today, Jan. 14, 2013, from 4 to 8 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 15,at 8 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9 am in Jesus Savior Church, 1 Vernon Avenue, Newport.

Memorial donations may be made to American Parkinson's Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940-1659.