Denis Edwards Grillo, born on March 16, 1943 to Rocco and Helen Grillo in Norfolk, Va. He departed this heavenly earth on January 27, 2023. Denis was a kind hearted, generous man who never met a stranger and always knew just how to light up a room. He was everyone’s best friend and what a blessing it was to have him in your life. Denis was one of the smartest men you would come by. He was a brilliant architect and designed amazing buildings that have inspired many. Denis studied for one year at Virginia Tech then went the old fashioned way at an architecture firm and learned the work, passing the architectural exams on the first try.

Later in life Denis met the love of his life, Jan Grillo, and was always sure to tell everyone she was his beautiful bride of 36 years. He was the best husband, dad, bapaw, brother, son, and friend to this world. You couldn’t come by a more gentle soul than Denis.

Denis enjoyed making the most of life and spending time with his family. You could find him at a Civil War reenactment, by the ocean fishing, or somewhere playing with his many grandchildren. He enjoyed going to the movie theater and eating buttered popcorn and drinking his favorite, Dr. Pepper. When he wasn’t spoiling his grandchildren, Denis was spoiling his “fur baby” Max, that he and his wife adopted and adored greatly.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Edwards Grillo, and father, Rocco Grillo.

Denis’ memories will be cherished by his Wife, Jan Grillo; Brothers, William “Bill” Grillo and wife Fran, and Roger Grillo and wife Ruth; Children, Tracy Grillo Colby, William “Bill” Grillo and wife Julie, Benjamin Grillo; Step-daughters, Susan Callanan and husband Liam, Caddy Wood and husband Dickson; Grandchildren, Jacob Grillo, Mary Callanan, Justin Grillo, Elizabeth Coles, Honor Callanan, Elijah Benesh, Jane Callanan, and Malaena Grillo; Nieces, Kate and Molly Grillo; and numerous other family and friends.

Celebration of Life – Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 2pm-4pm at the Holiday Inn Express  5030 W. Village Green Drive Midlothian, VA 23112.