Marie Alfano Grippo, 85, of East Haven, beloved wife of the late Salvatore L. Grippo, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025 surrounded by her family at Yale New Haven Hospital. Loving mother of Carmine F. Grippo and Rosanne (Frank) Baldassare all of East Haven, Salvatore A. (Sandra) Grippo of North Branford and the late Frank Grippo. Grandmother of Joseph (Robyn) Reynolds, Larissa (Dennis) Coderre, Jacquelyn (Salvatore) Privitera, Miranda (Louis) Church, and Anthony and Nicholas Grippo. Great grandmother of Callie and Joseph Reynolds; Brooke Coderre; Aurelius Privitera; and Logan, Lylah and Morgan Church. Sister of Michael (Cheryl) Alfano of East Haven. Marie was born in New Haven on June 16, 1940 daughter of the late Frank and Antoinette Romano Alfano. Prior to her retirement, Marie proudly worked for the East Haven Department of School Systems for over 30 years. She was also a former member of the Ladies' Auxiliary, where she gave her time and support to her community. Marie enjoyed trips to the casino and loved a good game of bingo. She was a devoted fan of Tom Selleck, never missed an episode of Blue Bloods, and had a fond appreciation for a good mustache, that was a long-running joke with the family. She was also a lifelong Yankee fan, her favorite player being Ron Guidry and his iconic mustache! Above all else, Marie cherished her family. They were the center of her world, and her love for them was unwavering. She will be greatly missed.
Her funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call Tuesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Sign Marie's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.
