William John Grillos

William John Grillos, age 89 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at his home. He was born on September 17, 1930 in Rolla, Mo., the son of Emmanuel Grillos and Dorothy Brisch. He was married on September 5, 1975 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Mary Kathryn D'Amelio, who survives at the home. William traveled alot throughout his lifetime and called many different places "home". He lived in several different states and even resided in Europe for a time. He grew up in Wyoming and graduated from Laramie High School and then went on to earn his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming. William also served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he served in the submarine service. William was employed with Shell and retired as a Pipeline Manager following many years of dedicated service. William enjoyed politics and reading and was never idle. He always had something going on, whether it was work, renovating a house or making jewelry. He was an outdoorsman at heart and was happiest when he could be outside fishing, hunting or just soaking in the scenery and enjoying nature. William liked the cowboy culture of the wild west and could often be found lost in a western book or a movie. He was the guy you wanted on your side when you needed someone. He had a way of making those around him feel safe and secure and was fiercely protective of those he loved. Survivors include: his wife of 45 years, Mary Grillos; his children, Bill Grillos (wife Elaine) of Bayfield, Colo., Jandel Pulcher (husband Tom) of Willspoint, Texas, Cheryl Basye (husband Steve) of Idylwild, Calif., Mike Grillos (wife Karen) of Denver, Colo. and Paul Grillos of Gilbert, Ariz.; his siblings, Paul Grillos (wife Darlene) of Jefferson City, Mo., Andrew Grillos (wife Lona) of Pueblo, Colo. and Annlea Barton (husband Ken) of Salem, Ore.; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 26, 2020 at Grand Junction Memorial Gardens in Grand Junction, Colo., where he will be laid to rest alongside his mother and father. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com