Retired Frankfort Police Chief George N. (Grates) Grizzuto, age 86, a lifelong Frankfort resident, beloved husband of Lucy (Teso) Grizzuto, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2004. His passing occurred in Valley Health Services, Herkimer following a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 14, 1918 in Frankfort a son of the late Joseph and Philomina (Curad) Grizzuto and was a lifelong resident in Frankfort, graduating with the "Class of 1935". On July 27, 1940, he married the former Lucy Teso in St. Anthony's Church, Herkimer, a blessed union of 64 years. They were a loving and devoted couple who were committed to each other and the life they shared together. His last professional employment was with L B Security in Utica. He can be most remembered by the residents of Frankfort as serving with the police department for 24 years. He began his career as a patrolman and was eventually appointed to Chief of Police. George served with great loyalty, courage and honor. He was a tremendous contribution to the police force and to the residents of Frankfort, earning the respect of many. George led an active and vivacious life during his earlier years. He was a member of the Frankfort Veterans Football Team during the 1940's. In fact, he was an original member of the Frankfort Falcons football team which he remained active with until the age of 46. He was active in music circles for several years, beginning when he was eleven years old. He formed his own band and also played the guitar, piano and drums with several area bands, touring five states. For 20 years, he played with a band in Florida. A community minded individual, George was very active with many civic organizations and clubs including the Young at Heart Senior Citizens, Ilion Knights of Columbus, Frankfort American Legion Post #845, Frankfort P.B.A., and was Chairman of March of Dimes. He also worked on the atom bomb in South Jersey with Dupont.Throughout the years, George considered his family to be the center of his live and the focus of his commitment; a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he was completely selflessly devoted to his loved ones. He had a deep and abiding awareness of the value and importance of family relationships. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and loved growing garlic. He was a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort, always relying on religion to guide and comfort him. Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Lucy who resides at the family residence on First Ave. in Frankfort, two sons, Joseph Grizzuto and wife Barbara of Ogdensburg and George Grizzuto and wife Janet of Frankfort, a daughter Ann Marie Oliver and husband Joseph Anthony of Ilion, a sister, Marion Polizzi of Frankfort, six beloved grandchildren, Lori Foster and husband Greg, Michael Grizzuto and wife Elona, Christopher Grizzuto and wife Renee, Daniel and Mike Oliver and Melissa Rocco and husband Anthony, seven adored great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, inlaws, Antoinette Ferrucci and Pauline Grates Polizzi. He was predeceased by three brothers, Fred, Frank and Joseph Grizzuto and three sisters, Rose Lilli, Frances Casale and Carrie Gazzilli. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Frankfort and Ilion (894-8000) on Thursday (today), Nov. 11, 2004 from 4-8 p.m. George's funeral will commence on Friday morning at 9 am from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered. The funeral cortege escorted by Frankfort Police Chief Ronald Gatto will process to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort St., Frankfort where the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, pastor emeritus, will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Committal prayers will be offered in All Souls Chapel, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort. Memorial offerings may be made to the American Cancer Society, donations may be made at the funeral home and envelopes are also available. The family would like to offer their thanks to the Public Health Nurses and to Valley Health Services, Herkimer for all of their tender love and care provided to George and his family. The following organizations will gather at the Enea Family Funeral Home this evening to conduct services: Young at Heart Senior Citizens at 4 p.m., Frankfort American Legion Post #845 at 6:00 p.m., Ilion Knights of Columbus at 6:30 p.m. and the Village of Frankfort Police Department will gather at 7:30 p.m. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.