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Richard Grills Obituary
Born in North Stonington, Conn., he was a son of the late Anne (Coon) and Peter Grills Sr.
Richard was a member of the Westerly High School, Class of 1950, and a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was the owner and operator of Bradford Dyeing Association for many years until his retirement. He also formerly owned, with his brother, Peter, both the Stardust Motel in North Stonington and the original Patceez Freeze in Hopkinton.
He was a member of the Board of Directors for The Washington Trust Company for many years and was one of the founders of BankRI. Richard was a member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Chariho Rotary Club, a member of the Napoleon Club, and a former member of the Bradford Citizens Club. He donated hundreds of acres of land, which created both The Grills Preserve in Westerly and The Grills Wildlife Sanctuary in Hopkinton. Richard enjoyed building stone walls, collecting antiques, and restoring old homes.
He leaves behind his three children, Sharon Jackson and her husband, Stephen, of East Lyme, Conn., Michael Grills and his wife, Laurie, and Pamela Grills Stein, all of Ashaway. Richard will also be dearly missed by nine grandchildren, Valerie Nadreau (Joshua), Gregory Jackson, Alexander Jackson, Benjamin Grills (Katie), Anne Grills, Adam Grills, Chandler Grills, Peter Grills, and Jordan Gabrielle Stein; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Grills Jr.; and his former wife, Patricia Ann (Smith) Grills.
Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Funeral service and burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, was in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Grills
Chris Harty
July 18, 2021
Although some time has passed it still seems appropriate to offer my condolences to the family of Richard Grills. I have move to this area recently and drove by to see these magnificent stone walls. I did a some resource and was amazed by the building of these walls and the man behind them. With such an accomplished life these walls stand true and timeless as a tribute.
Scott Bill Hirst
March 7, 2017
To Richard Grills Family:
My condolences and respect to the Grills family at this time. Richard was a prominent personality in our local area. I know that observation is not a surprise to you.
I do want to say that my Aunt Mary Ellen (Hirst) Dean who died last year graduated with him with WHS Class of 1950. Richard was a friend to his classmates decades after he left high school. He did not forget them.
I total last year, I lost my mother, and two aunts including the one just mentioned. I suggest you grieve in your own way.
You will have memories for know and the future. I trust you will feel solace in them.
Respectfully,
Scott Bill Hirst
February 23, 2017
Michael, Sharon, Pamela and families. We were so very sorry to have read about the passing of Richard. The amazing rebuilding of the store walls was just another one of his many accomplishments during his lifetime. Donating land for future generations for all to enjoy is such a thoughtful idea. I, Lorraine, had not seen Richard in quite sometime. But Henry often kept me updated when he talked with him.
Keep the Love and many Memories in your hearts forever. Lorraine Watson Joiner, Henry Watson and all our families.
Josefina Elefante
February 19, 2017
To Mike and family .. So sorry to hear of your loss . My prayers are with you .
Bill Gingerella, Jr
February 16, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss Mike and Family!
Sherry Main
February 14, 2017
To the Grills Family ~
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord and may the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. God Bless.
Joe Grills
February 14, 2017
I just heard of Richard's death. He was a man I admired deeply. He helped me as a young man growing up in Bradford, and for that I will be forever grateful. I really never knew my cousin, except as a man of character and strength. His business acumen and persistence kept the BDA going as a vital source of employment for a very depressed area of Rhode Island. One of my greatest regrets was that I was never able to tell him how much that meant to me and my family. Rest in peace Richard, you certainly deserve it. My thoughts and prayers go out to my cousins Michael, Sharon and Steven. You Dad was a good man, a good friend and helped a young boy with a job and future.
Your cousin,
Joe
Janet (Arnold) & Spike Perkins
February 14, 2017
To Mike and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.
ROBIN DEBIGARE
February 13, 2017
To the Grills family my condolences.
Lloyd and Catherine Cook
February 13, 2017
Sorry to read Richard passed away. We have been friends for many years.Or sympathy to the family.
Wes Henson
February 13, 2017
Sorry for your loss, Sharon and family.
February 13, 2017
On behalf of the Cofone and Palmisano families we offer our sincere sympathy to the family of Richard.We were neighbors for many yrs.May he rest in peace.
JEAN PALMISANO STENHOUSE
Toni Algiere
February 13, 2017
To all of Richards family, I am so very sorry for your loss at this sad time. Richard was a good but tough man with a big kind heart. He will be missed. I bet my dad is there to greet him with a big smile on both there faces. ❤
Martin and Priscilla Flynn
February 13, 2017
Richard will be missed by his many friends in South County.
Julia Pacheco
February 13, 2017
It has been said, that when a soul has entered the heavens , rainfall is our confirmation .... rest peacefully my friend ... you will be greatly missed. Although we only knew each other for a short time, you taught me that the quality of time is most important. Thank You and your family for inviting me to share the journey. My prayers are with Michael, Sharon, Pamela and all of your extended family.
Frank & Mary Bliven
February 12, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
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