In Memoriam – David Grills

David Robert Grills, 82, of Northampton, MA and Misquamicut, RI passed away peacefully on July 25, 2022 with his loving daughters by his side. David was born in Westerly, RI on November 21, 1939 to Helen (Tosi) and Henry Grills. He attended Westerly High School, the University of Rhode Island, and received a Masters Degree at Westfield State. David worked as a Physical Education teacher at Williamsburg High School and Hampshire Regional High School, where he also coached cross-country, basketball, and baseball. After his retirement, he continued to coach baseball and girls’ basketball. David began coaching baseball in 1959 and his career ultimately spanned seven decades with his continued involvement as an assistant. He was recognized for his commitment to his athletes and sport through inductions into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, Dave was an avid surfer, golfer, and St. Louis Cardinals fan, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Nikolai and Jules Korza, Francesca and Luciana Grills and Conrad Jones. He went to dance recitals and competitions, lacrosse, basketball and soccer games, gymnastics meets, music concerts, and spent time teaching them to surf at “Pappy’s Beach”. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his grandchildren, David is survived by his children Jennifer Korza (and her husband Nathan) and Amie Grills (and her husband Nathan Jones), and his siblings, Gretchen Gray, Constance DeLange and Henry Grills. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Maryan “Midge” Norton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday August 2, 2022 at the St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 99 King St. Northampton. Calling Hours will be Monday from 4 to 6 pm at the CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 173 North St. Northampton. Burial in Westerly, RI will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to The Northampton Survival Center, Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice or the Red Cross. Online condolences can be made at Czelusniakfuneralhome.com.

• Back