Daniel Grish, JR. Naugatuck, Connecticut Obituary

Daniel Grish, JR.

WWII Navy Veteran/Iwo Jima Survivor Prospect-Daniel G. Grish, Jr. (Griszkauckas), 83, a 53-year resident of Prospect, passed away at his home on January 19, 2010. Born in Waterbury, CT he was the son of the late Daniel and Anna (Zubras) Grisckauckas. He spent his formative years in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury where he attended St. Joseph Grammar School. He often spoke of his fond memories of time spent at Lakewood Park and Lake Quassapaug. Upon reaching the age of 17 with the country in the midst of WWII, he enlisted in the US NAVY. He served aboard the Transport Ship USS John Land AP-167 which was deployed in the Pacific Theater including multiple trips to Iwo Jima, which earned him a medal for uncommon valor for recognition of his combat service. Upon leaving the service he returned to Waterbury where he worked alongside his parents at various manufacturing plants. He became an apprentice steamfitter joining the Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #22 based in Waterbury, which is now local 777 in Meriden, where he has earned a lifetime member status of more than 50 years. He met his future wife Dorothy (Kelsey) through a mutual friend and were married in 1955 initially settling in Brooklyn, and eventually moving to Prospect. He was very active in the YMCA swimming program both as a parent and a judge, and spent many years supporting the Prospect Little League. Not slowing down after his retirement in 1984, he enjoyed a tenure as a trustee on the pension board of the Union, being a vendor at local fairs with his longtime friend Al "the Shoemaker" Gialello of Brooklyn and vacationing across the country with his wife of 54 years. Daniel was passionate of his service for his country. He was a long time member of VFW Post 7790 and particularly proud of his membership in Iwo Jima Survivors Association based in Newington, participating in many of their parades as a flag bearer of one of the largest flags in the state. He also spent many years traveling to reunions with his USS John Land shipmates and their families, even hosting one locally. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Carrington and her husband George of Ohio, a son, Daniel and his wife Patrice of Durham, and grandchildren, Michael Carrington and his wife Carolyn and great-grandson Ian all of Wolcott, Amanda Carrington of Prospect, and Justin "Jay" Carrington of Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Rd, Rte. 69, Prospect. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday afternoon from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to: National Iwo/Jima Survivors Foundation, PO Box 310516, Newington, CT 06131. For online condolences please logon to: www.buckmillerbrothers.com.
February 27, 1926 - January 19, 201002/27/192601/19/2010
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Obituary

WWII Navy Veteran/Iwo Jima Survivor Prospect-Daniel G. Grish, Jr. (Griszkauckas), 83, a 53-year resident of Prospect, passed away at his home on January 19, 2010. Born in Waterbury, CT he was the son of the late Daniel and Anna (Zubras) Grisckauckas. He spent his formative years in the Brooklyn section of Waterbury where he attended St. Joseph Grammar School. He often spoke of his fond memories of time spent at Lakewood Park and Lake Quassapaug. Upon reaching the age of 17 with the country in the midst of WWII, he enlisted in the US NAVY. He served aboard the Transport Ship USS John Land AP-167 which was deployed in the Pacific Theater including multiple trips to Iwo Jima, which earned him a medal for uncommon valor for recognition of his combat service. Upon leaving the service he returned to Waterbury where he worked alongside his parents at various manufacturing plants. He became an apprentice steamfitter joining the Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local #22 based in Waterbury, which is now local 777 in Meriden, where he has earned a lifetime member status of more than 50 years. He met his future wife Dorothy (Kelsey) through a mutual friend and were married in 1955 initially settling in Brooklyn, and eventually moving to Prospect. He was very active in the YMCA swimming program both as a parent and a judge, and spent many years supporting the Prospect Little League. Not slowing down after his retirement in 1984, he enjoyed a tenure as a trustee on the pension board of the Union, being a vendor at local fairs with his longtime friend Al "the Shoemaker" Gialello of Brooklyn and vacationing across the country with his wife of 54 years. Daniel was passionate of his service for his country. He was a long time member of VFW Post 7790 and particularly proud of his membership in Iwo Jima Survivors Association based in Newington, participating in many of their parades as a flag bearer of one of the largest flags in the state. He also spent many years traveling to reunions with his USS John Land shipmates and their families, even hosting one locally. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Carrington and her husband George of Ohio, a son, Daniel and his wife Patrice of Durham, and grandchildren, Michael Carrington and his wife Carolyn and great-grandson Ian all of Wolcott, Amanda Carrington of Prospect, and Justin "Jay" Carrington of Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Rd, Rte. 69, Prospect. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday afternoon from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to: National Iwo/Jima Survivors Foundation, PO Box 310516, Newington, CT 06131. For online condolences please logon to: www.buckmillerbrothers.com.

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Events

Jan
23
Service
Saturday, January 23 2010
06:00 PM
Buckmiller Brothers Prospect
26 Waterbury Rd
PROSPECT, CT 06712
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