Nelson Grillo - Obituary

elatives and friends are invited to Mr. Grillo's Life Celebration at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2200 Callaway St. Hillcrest Heights, Md. 20748 on Tueday, November 6th from 9:30a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m. Entombment Ft. Lincoln Cemetery. Please sign guest book at: www.KalasFuneralHomes.com Nelson Juan Grillo, Sr., 65 First Latino Inspector, DC Metropolitan Police (retired) Nelson Juan Grillo, Sr., retired Inspector with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, died October 30 at Inova Alexandria Hospital, due to complications from cancer. He was 65. Inspector Grillo started his career with the Metropolitan Police Department on March 3, 1969. He rose through the ranks of the police department, having the distinction of serving as a Captain, Deputy Director of Planning and Development ‘81-‘82, Deputy Commander of Youth Division ‘82-‘83, Commander of Sixth District '83-‘86, and as an Inspector, Supervisor of Field Operations Division '86 until his retirement in 1989. While serving with the DC Police Department, Inspector Grillo attended the National FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and was a graduate of the 121st Session. At the time of his retirement, he was one of the highest ranking Latino officials with MPD. Prior to joining the police force in 1969, Inspector Grillo was honorably discharged from the US Air Force after serving for 7 years. Mr. Grillo was born September 22, 1942 in Northeast Washington, DC to Cuban parents, Attorney Anival J. Grillo and Berta Junco Grillo. He grew up in Ward 7 of the District, attended Gonzaga College High School and Mackin High School where he received his high school diploma in 1960. An outstanding basketball player, Grillo made the All-Catholic League team and received many athletic honors and awards for his playmaking abilities during the early 1960's. Grillo earned an athletic scholarship to Fairfield University, and played on the All Air Force basketball team while enlisted. His notoriety on the basketball court earned him an invitation to try out for the US Olympic Team in the mid 1960's. He ultimately received his undergraduate degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland-College Park. Mr. Grillo volunteered his time as a basketball and tee ball coach for Holy Family in the mid 70's and 80's and most recently for St. Matthias in Bowie. Mr. Grillo spent his later years enjoying the company of his grandchildren regularly at Redskins and Wizards games and especially on the golf course. He was active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillcrest Heights, MD since the 1970's and rose to the rank of Fourth Degree Member of the Bishop Walsh Assembly of the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X Council #4076. He served as a Eucharistic or Liturgical Minister at Holy Family and the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Mr. Grillo was also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Grillo is survived by his former wife, Juanita Hancock Grillo, an educator in Prince Georges County Public Schools; his son, Nelson Juan Grillo, Jr., Director of Business Analysis for Sylvan Learning Centers and daughter-in-law, Sheila of Bowie, MD; daughters Dr. Teresa Maria Grillo, an optometrist in Tampa, Florida; Dr. Lisa Maria Grillo, PG County School Administrator, Adjunct Professor at Trinity University and University of New Mexico, and resident of Waldorf, MD. Mr. Grillo was the oldest of four children; he is survived by brothers Roy M. Grillo, Sr., of Washington, DC; Luis B. Grillo of Annapolis, MD and sister-in law, Stephany; sister, Rosa Maria Grillo-Cusick and brother-in-law, John of Silver Spring, MD. Mr. Grillo is the proud grandfather of three; Marcus, Alex and Joya Grillo of Bowie, MD. He is also survived by an uncle, Evelio Grillo of Oakland, CA and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.