Anthony Matthew Christopher Grippaudo
November 29, 1984 - October 5, 2017
Our sweet Tony was the beloved son of Joanne and Louis Grippaudo; beloved brother of Frank and Daniel Grippaudo, loving nephew of many aunts and uncle, and loving cousin of many. He returned to the loving arms of Jesus after a life long battle with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy. He has moved on to join his grandparents Florence and Frank Masiello, Louise and Fred Grippaudo, many great-aunts and great-uncles, and his little buddy, Turbo, in heaven.
His joy of life, his sharp wit, sense of humor, his love of family, his little dogs and children, his love of fine foods and his laughter will be missed by his family and all those who knew him, loved him, and took care of him.
He never dwelt on that which he could not do, but rather what he could. He participated in Challenger Little League, swimming, PAL bowling league and the New York State Games for the Disabled, as well as Cub Scouts. He mainstreamed in school with the help of an assistant, graduated high school in the National Honor Society and continued his education into college, attending Adelphi University in New York and going to the U of A after moving to Arizona. He finished three years at university studying International Studies/Business, until his health no longer allowed him to continue.
Tony did everything passionately. He loved dogs, especially his pets Tebow and Bunny, whom he rescued. He loved children and had great patience for them and found their company amusing. He had great compassion, sympathy and empathy for those in dire situations, and rather than say “why me?” he would say, “oh that poor kid” or “I’ll say a prayer for them” or “what could we do to help them?” He was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia. He loved football; his favorite teams were the Broncos and the Ducks. And, most famously, he was known as a “foodie” and loved watching cooking shows on cable and eating fine foods from many restaurants around town.
We take solace in the fact that he is no longer in physical pain, but at peace in Paradise. He would tell us not to weep for him, but as a fitting tribute, to gather together around a table of his favorite fine foods: to remember his easy smile and genuine laugh, and how he made us laugh; to look at one another, smile and know he is now somewhere running on a beach, rolling in the fallen autumn leaves, climbing trees, hiking through forests and all that he never do could before, and that when we are ready, he will be there to take our hand and guide us home.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him.

Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to the following charities:
Internate Miniature Pinscher Rescue, The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, SPCA of AZ, SPCA of TX, MDA Duchennes Research, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospital. A wonderful act to honor Tony would be to adopt a rescue dog.