Richard John Griglione II
April 28, 2016
Richard John Griglione II, 43, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016.
Rich was born September 1, 1972 in Des Moines. He was a 1990 graduate of Lincoln High School and attended Dana College on a baseball scholarship. Following college, he served in the U.S. Navy. Rich was currently the President, Business Agent and Organizer for Ironworkers Local 67. He was part of the Central Iowa Building Trades and served on the board at the Iowa Workforce Development.
Since childhood Rich’s lifetime ambition was to be a dad, and he was THE BEST. The most important thing was his family. His wife and kids always came first. His family was his life.
Rich had a passion for sports. He enjoyed coaching and was currently one of the coaches for the I-35 High School spring league baseball team. He also loved coaching Little League baseball and football. He was a great coach, mentor and role model. Rich enjoyed playing golf, baseball, softball, basketball and football. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing.
Rich was a wonderful son, loving husband and dedicated father and will be deeply missed. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 19 years, Joni; children, Gracey, Richie and Rosabella; mother, Rebecca Denning; step-father, David Denning; grandfather, Carl Gracey; uncles, Daniel (Diane) Gracey and Bill (Ann) Beals; aunt, Penelope Moneyhun; nephews and nieces, Rodney, Chelsea, Molly, Erich and Lauren; and a host of extended loving family and many-many friends.
He was also survived by his Local 67 Iron Workers Brotherhood, of which he was a proud member for 17 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; brother, Rodney; and his grandmother, Beverly Wiffler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Avenue in Des Moines followed by burial at Young Cemetery in Truro. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 4th at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Richard Griglione Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lorraine Gaddini-Smith
05/02/2016
There is no one who can tell you she knows how you feel. There is nothing I can say to sooth your pain. Please, just let me hold you in my thoughts so you may rest a bit.
Tammie LaFrance
05/02/2016
My condolences go out to Joni, Gracey, Ritchie and Bella during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers also go to Rich's other family members and friends, I hope you can find some peace soon. Joni, the DE Team and I are sending you love and hugs.
Pam Deffibaugh
05/02/2016
I am so sorry for your loss Joni. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim & Jonn Durbin
05/02/2016
We just want to say to Rebecca, Joni, Gracey, Ritchie and Bella...we are so so sorry for your loss. Rich was such a great guy. He held and still holds a very special place in both our hearts. We will truly miss him and we hope and pray for all of you that God will shine his love down upon you and keep you safe during this devastatingly tough time. Please know that we are thinking of you and that we love you all.
Lynn Schumann
05/02/2016
I was so saddened to read of Rich's passing. I was his 4th grade teacher at Howe during the 1981-82 school year where he was "Richie" to me. I remember him as a fun- loving kid with a great personality. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Phyllis Wright
05/02/2016
Joni just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss working with you and was sorry to hear about your loss.
Diane Blocker
05/02/2016
Saw in the paper about your son Becky & wanted to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss. May all your wonderful memories bring you some comfort. I'm praying for you & your family.
Frank Harlan
05/02/2016
Thoughts and prayers to Joni and the kids. Local#67 will never forget you. It was very obvious how important and how much Rich loved his family.
Angela Campos
05/02/2016
Rich was always joking and laughing whenever I saw him I'll never forget that!! My heart is aching for you Joni and your beautiful family! Praying for you all!
Rockies baseball team
05/01/2016
So saddened by the loss of Rich. We had a special rivalry. So many wonderful memories of games against the Central Iowa Stars. Such respect for Rich who coached them up. To us Rockies coaches we discovered he was more than just a great coach, he was also a great man. Prayers and peace to the family.
Joshua Jacobsen and family
05/01/2016
We wish to extend our prayers to the family. We are sorry to hear of our loss of Rich. I had known him in business and always thought of him as caring and foreword thinking. That was evident by his accomplishments with the local and impact he has had in serving the union and his family. He will be missed and remembered.
Debbie (Warren) Hensley
05/01/2016
It has been since high school since I saw Rich last. We shared the stage for show choir our senior year. He was a funny and kind guy. I'm certain he will be missed by all. My prayers are with his family and closest friends.
Rod and Jamie Shafer
05/01/2016
Joni and family, we are so very sorry for your loss--our hearts are breaking. Rich was a good man and it was always apparent how much he loves his family. Hugs to you.
Shauna Pickering
05/01/2016
Hurting for you. Prayers and hugs.
Tom and Karen Sjullie
05/01/2016
Prayers go out to the family. So sorry for your loss!