Fred and Doris Grasso

Fred and Doris Grasso

Fred D. Grasso, age 91, of Papillion, died April 26, 2024, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha.

Doris Grasso, age 87, of Papillion, NE, died May 4, 2024, at the Josie Harper Hospice House, joining her husband of almost 68 years, Fred, who preceded her to heaven eight days earlier.

Fred was born on May 12, 1932, in Omaha, to the late Andrew Grasso and Ida (Agosta) Grasso, attended St. Adalbert’s Grade School, graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and served as a Damage Controlman in the US Navy from 1950-1954.

Doris was born on October 13, 1936, in Ecru, Mississippi, to the late Ralph and Lillian (Robins) Grant.  She moved to Omaha in 1954, where she met her husband, Fred.

Behind every great man is a great woman. That is surely true of Doris.  She was Fred’s rock, loving and supporting him throughout his 47 year Mechanical Engineering career. Together they founded multiple businesses, including Mechanical Sales, Inc. and Data Power Technology Corp, which have become among the most significant in the mechanical contracting and data center infrastructure industries. So many have extraordinary lives because Fred and Doris created businesses that supported family and friends.

Fred was the “Gold Standard” of how to do business right.  He will be fondly remembered for his energy, good humor, generosity and fun loving ways.

A true southern belle, Doris never left home without lipstick, and her legendary fried chicken and sweet tea were enjoyed by many.  Doris will be lovingly remembered for her sharp mind, kind heart and generosity.

Later in life, Fred and Doris enjoyed spending time playing Keno, where they met new friends who soon became their second family.  Fred’s and Doris’s passing will leave a profound void in our hearts.

Surviving are their children, Gary (Sally) Grasso, of Bluffton, SC; Mark Grasso, of La Vista; Kim (Bob) Becker, of Columbus, OH; Janet (Brendan) Gross, of Papillion; grandchildren, Andrew, Lauren, Taylor, Mitchell, Kaitlyn, Katie; 3 great-grandchildren (and another on the way); Fred’s brother, Jess Grasso, of Fort Collins, CO; Doris’s sisters, Gerry Spencer, of Palm Beach, FL; Wilma Fulgham, of Memphis, TN; Betty Bailey, of Portland, OR; many nephews, nieces and cousins.

JOINT VISITATION:  Friday, May 17 from 5 to 7p.m. at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, followed by a VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00pm. 

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 2302 Crawford St., Bellevue.  

INTERMENT:  Calvary Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s School, Bellevue, NE.

18 Comments

  • TARA MARIE HOLMSTEDT Posted May 1, 2024 1:02 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sad we loss such a great person.

  • Jo Reiman Posted May 2, 2024 9:23 am

    My deepest and sincere heartfelt sympathy to the family of Fred Grasso. I have so many good memories of a great man. He was a pleasure to work for and a kinder man is hard to find. It was a honor to know and work for him. He has always been in my thoughts and prayers and will truly be missed.

  • Peggy L Rutcosky Posted May 2, 2024 10:36 am

    What an amazing human and what a wonderful life. I feel lucky to have known Fred and his loving family. Sincerest condolences and loving prayers for comfort and peace.

  • Jessica Ogle Posted May 2, 2024 9:52 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the Grasso family. I enjoyed getting to know Fred this past year. There are only a few people in the world who can lighten up a room and that was Fred. He will always be in my heart. With love, Jessica Ogle.

  • Terry Nation Posted May 3, 2024 11:33 am

    Cindi and I send our prayers and condolences to Doris and the family. Fred was an amazing man to just set and listen to. I admired Fred and Doris, They were a special couple.
    I will miss seeing Fred and just talking to him

  • Dave and Michelle Muirhead Posted May 3, 2024 3:28 pm

    Kind, honest, professional and ahead of his time. This is how we will fondly remember Fred. He was a true gem and a consummate professional. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Grasso family.

  • Doug Aline Posted May 3, 2024 7:42 pm

    My father Ray thought the world of Fred and Doris. As do I. he was indeed the Gold Standard of how to treat people and run a business. with Fred his family friends and customers were first and everything else followed.

  • Terry Nation Posted May 5, 2024 12:05 pm

    Doris told me this past Monday when Cindi and I visited her. I gave her a hug and she said is he would join Fred soon.
    We admired their love and devotion to each other. I am sure Fred had their keno table ready in heaven

  • Marcella Koslowske Posted May 5, 2024 2:39 pm

    They were one of my favorite couples during my years in Omaha. We enjoyed great parties and great trips with so many laughs. I’m so glad I had such wonderful people in my life. Fred and Doris’ children should be so proud of their parents. It broke my heart to hear this news. Sending my condolences — Sis Koslowske

  • Carl Mau Posted May 5, 2024 6:44 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
    Love ya Brother Mark.

  • John and Michelle DiBaise Posted May 5, 2024 8:42 pm

    We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Fred and Doris, my favorite godparents! They were beautiful people and lived full lives. With their health struggles in their later years, may they now rest in peace together forever in the arms of our heavenly Father.

  • Bob Brown Posted May 5, 2024 11:56 pm

    Both Fred and Doris have been dear friends to both myself and my late wife Carolyn. She’s probably a member of the welcoming party who met them at the gates of heaven. Fred was my mentor throughout my career at Mechanical Sales. Doris also taught me a lot about running a company. Both of them are now with God and will continue on together throughout eternity.
    Bob

  • Peggy Murray Posted May 6, 2024 6:50 am

    Beautiful love story. Amazing humans ! Thoughts and prayers to all.

  • Jo Reiman Posted May 6, 2024 9:43 am

    I know it breaks your heart to say goodbye but memories will never die, and in your heart your whole life through your loved ones will be there with you. Now they will be together of eternity. I am so sorry for your loses. Fred and Doris were a match made in heaven and now they return to their home together. My thoughts and prayers are sincerely with you.

  • Marie Secan Posted May 6, 2024 11:12 am

    I met Fred and Doris in 1997 – they gave me the opportunity to further my career with Mechanical Sales Inc and believed in me enough to hire outside the Metro area (Nebraska City) and trusting my commute was worth taking a chance on me- Fred always greeted me daily with a smile- the best way to start your day, especially at work and Doris made my accounting experience with MSI. a pleasure! I will forever be grateful to both of them! Heaven definitely accepted two more angels. I’m pretty sure all the wonderful memories for the family will help during this difficult time – my deepest sympathy to all of you ❤️

  • John Mills Posted May 6, 2024 5:35 pm

    So sorry to hear of their passing. They were a great couple and we had so much fun with them on the MCAA conventions. They will be in our prayers

  • Sandra Lundeen Posted May 14, 2024 2:37 pm

    I do not know what to say! What could I add to this magnificent story of such a great couple. Bob and I were so privileged to be a part of this amazing story…however small it was, we counted ourselves fortunate to have them in our lives! There just are no words that I can write that would do justice. We loved them. Bob, I know was there to greet with his arms ready for a hug. Here’s to Fred and Doris…forever together!

  • Joe and Maureen Zuffoletto Posted May 16, 2024 11:08 am

    Our sincere condolences and best wished to the family..Fred and Doris truly exemplified what family is all about. True role models. We were very fortunate to have known and shared many remarkable memories with them for over 50 years. We are grateful for and will never forget the support that they extended to our family.

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