Joseph C. Grippo

SLINGERLANDS- Joseph C. Grippo, age 99, passed away surrounded by family on July 8, 2025 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn.

He was born in Manhattan, NY, the son of the late Frank and Carmella Grippo. He was also predeceased by his wife Norma, brother Bud and sister Doris.

Joseph enlisted in the US Navy when he was 18 years old. He was a Third Class Signalman on a Merchant Marine Cargo Ship and was Honorably Discharged in 1946.

Upon his return, he became a New York City Policeman in the 13th Precinct. Eventually he achieved the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant, serving in the 24th Precinct and Manhattan North. When he retired in 1986, he moved from Long Island to the Albany area. In a desire to remain active, he held various positions including security at the local arena, he was a secret shopper tasting bagels and writing reviews, and he photographed homes for insurance companies. His favorite position was writing the Blotters and Dockets for the Times Union.

Joseph was an active member of the Lieutenant’s Benevolent Association. He received an award from the LBA for his service as a policeman and World War II.

In 2014, he was so proud to be chosen for the Freedom Flight as a World War II veteran.

He is survived by his daughters: Christine Hughes and Lisa Gardner and their husbands Walter and Mark; grandchildren: Lauren (Scott) Ehrlich, Stephanie (Phil) Sabatino, Dave (Sara) Friedman, and Craig (Ariel) Gardner; great grandchildren: Elise Sabatino, Mason Ehrlich, Layla Ehrlich, and Goldie Gardner. His youngest brother Louis (Lois) still lives in Las Vegas.

He loved to enjoy a great meal with a fine bottle of wine or champagne while listening to Frank Sinatra… he did it his way.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. All are invited to attend his funeral service at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to: The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208.