Geraldine (Mitzie) Aiello Grillo

March 31, 1933 - February 4, 2021 Pacific Grove

Mitzie passed away after a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer, surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her own home. She was raised on the Monterey Peninsula and met the love of her life, Domenico Grillo, while working the ticket booth at the Golden State Theater on Alvarado Street. She declined Dom’s proposals of marriage twice before accepting -- telling him she was too young to get married -- which led to Nat King Cole’s song, “Too Young”, becoming their song. They married at San Carlos Cathedral on Valentine’s Day in 1953, built their home in Pacific Grove and enjoyed a lifelong adventure of 42 years of marriage before his passing. Mitzie enjoyed a 17 year career in the Central Kitchen of PGHS as the Salad Lady, but she was known to many as “Mom.” She was honored by the PG Alumni Association in 2017 for her dedication and service. Mitzie was a talented artist, painting and sketching seascapes, florals and portraits. She passed her love of art and skills to her grandchildren. She had a keen eye for fashion and was always dressed to the nines from her signature stilettos to her trademark earrings. Mitzie loved to gamble, attend her weekly lunches and find new treasures at her favorite local boutiques. She had a wicked sense of humor and everyone looked forward to hearing her newest joke. Mitzie was predeceased by her loving husband Domenico, her son Jack, her parents Jack and Mary Aiello, her brother Bert (Ruth) Aiello and her sister Josephine (Ed) Nalepka. She is survived by her children, Frank (Vicki), Phyllis (Joe Sweeney), 10 grandchildren: Rainer, Samantha (Aaron), Garrett (Brittany), Domenico, Roxy, Domenick, Domenique, Laura, Frankie and Michael, and her brother Sal (Sylvia) Aiello. She is also survived by three greatgrandchildren: Athena, Kennedy and Mateo, a large and loving family of cousins, many close friends and her constant furry companions Gemma and Baby. A private memorial and inurnment have been held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, the CSUMB Hospitality Program or the American Cancer Society.