Submitte by: Dan Rich

Donald Grillo

Jan. 20, 1905 - March 14, 1998

South Bend Tribune 3/19/1998

GRANGER - Dr. Donald Grillo, 93, of Covington Parkway, Granger, Ind., a South Bend, Ind., physician for 45 years, died after an extended illness at 2:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 14, in Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Dr. Grillo was born in Joliet, Ind., Jan. 20, 1905, to the late Thomas and Maria (Grande) Grillo. In 1907 his family moved to Gary, Ind., where he attended elementary and high school.

On July 28, 1984, he married the former Virginia T. Kapsa, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Donald George Grillo of Indianapolis, Ind., Eugene E. Grillo of Fort Wayne, Ind., and James R. Grillo of Clayton, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Dianne Kapsa Horvath of South Bend and Judith Kapsa Lawrence of Crown Point, Ind.; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. S. Philip Grillo of Belleville, Mich., and Frank Grillo of Merrillville, Ind.; and by two sisters, Mrs. Lena Matteo of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Mrs. Jean Kelly of Chicago, Ill.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Sam Grillo, D.D.S., of South Bend and Dr. Angelo Grillo, D.D.S., of Gary, Ind.; and by a sister, Mrs. Mary Pin of Gary.

Dr. Grillo graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1929 where he served as the president of his class. He moved to South Bend in 1930 and began his internship at Saint Joseph Hospital of South Bend.

After establishing his general practice in South Bend, he became interested in local politics and, in 1936, was elected for two terms as the Saint Joseph County Coroner. During this depression era Dr. Grillo generously performed many surgeries and made many house calls without compensation. When some of the local mutual aid societies needed a doctor to perform examinations, Dr. Grillo was the front runner to perform any required medical examinations free of charge.

Dr. Grillo continued his education and did his post-graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania where he specialized in colon and rectal surgery, but World War II temporarily halted his growing practice. Dr. Grillo served during the war in the armed services as a Captain in the Medical Corps. When he was honorably discharged in 1945, he had attained the rank of Major and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service to his country.

After the war he returned to his South Bend practice where he began to specialize in diseases of the rectum and colon. He also continued in his service to the community.

Dr. Grillo was on staff at both Saint Joseph and Memorial Hospitals in South Bend. He also treated patients at Saint Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka.

He served on various committees at Saint Joseph Hospital, South Bend, and was the president of the medical staff. He served on the lay advisory board for 18 years and was instrumental in attaining federal funds for a building for the nursing school. Dr. Grillo served for 12 years on the board of directors of the South Bend Medical Foundation, and was a member of the Saint Joseph County Cancer Society.

Realizing a need for a support group, Dr. Grillo founded the Ostomy Club of Saint Joseph County, an affiliate of the national organization.

Dr. Grillo was an active member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, The American Medical Association, Indiana State Medical Society, Saint Joseph County Medical Association and was a fellow in the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Donald Grillo was an exceptional physician and surgeon. He was charitable, compassionate and an outstanding civic leader. Dr. Grillo was a great humanitarian, who dedicated his life to the service of others. He will be missed not only by his family but also by the local Italian-American community that loved him.

Memorial services for Dr. Grillo will be at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Joseph County Ostomy Club, Saint Joseph Medical Center, Hospice of Saint Joseph County, Christ Child Society or to Sacred Heart Church.