Anthony Joseph Grasso

Anthony J. Grasso Professional Educator and Westfield High School Biology Teacher Anthony Joseph Grasso, 52, of Union, died Thursday December 22, 2011 in Overlook Hospital, Summit, after a brief illness. Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation from 2:00 - 6:00PM Monday December 26th, at Gray Funeral Home, 318 E. Broad St., Westfield (go to www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences). Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM Tuesday December 27, 2011 in the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, 315 First St., Westfield. Private interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Born in Newark, NJ, Mr. Grasso was a graduate of Scotch Plains Fanwood High School. He received a Bachelors degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University, and his certification in secondary science education from Kean University. A professional educator, Mr. Grasso was a valued member of the science department faculty of Westfield High School, where he taught Biology for more than 23 years. He was a coordinator of the SAT Testing program at the high school, and involved with the staff of the school's Project '79. Anthony played and taught hockey for many years. He taught his son T.J., who skates with the Westfield High School team, and also coached with the Cranford Hockey Club association. A former volunteer firefighter with the Fanwood Fire Dept, Mr. Grasso was also a private teacher of the clarinet, and saxophone, and also taught driver education. He is survived by his loving wife Jamie, four children: Allison, Anthony Jr. "T.J.", Hallie, and Nicholas "Nicky". Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.