Obituary of Luigi Gramaldi

After a long and valiant struggle with brain tumors and resulting health complications, the Reverend Luigi Grimaldi went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 6, 2016 from the Joe Raso Hospice Residence at the age of 80. Luigi was a long time resident of West Haverstraw, New York at the time of his passing. He was born in the Villa De Santa Lucia, Italy on March 15, 1936 to Basilo and Rocca Grimaldi. After living through World War II, Luigi left Italy as a sponsored immigrant and came to America at the age of 20. In 1960, even though he was not yet a citizen, he was drafted into the Army and served honorably for 2 years. After that, Luigi attended Northeast Bible Institute in Green Lane, PA (now Valley Forge Christian College), where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biblical Studies. It was there he met and married the love of his life Charmian Joyce Grimaldi (Walker) on December 14, 1963. Charmian was a devoted and caring partner to Luigi for 52 and 1/2 years and was at his side at his passing. Pastor Grimaldi was associate and then senior Pastor for the Assembly of God Church on Gurnee Ave. and then served for 28 year at Faith Christian Assembly of God, both in West Haverstraw. He passionately preached the Word of God and impacted the lives of so many people he came in contact with. Additionally, Luigi was a master mechanic - learning the trade at age 12 in Italy. He worked for over 15 years at the Lang Service Station in Rye, NY and then opened his own PTL Auto Service out of his home garage. Luigi was predeceased by his parents, brother Danny, sister Anna and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his devoted wife Charmian; beloved son Joseph Grimaldi (Tracey); and precious daughter Louanna Andralliski (Roland). His beloved sisters Maria Lagana of Port Chester and Josephina Parmigiano of Canada. His 3 adored grandchildren Heather & Jasmine Andralliski, and Derek Grimaldi; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Viewing will be held Wednesday May 11 from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at the TJ McGowan & Sons Funeral Home, 71 N. Central Highway, Garnerville, NY. A celebration of his life and Funeral Services will be held Thursday May 12, at Faith Christian Assembly, 20 Wayne Ave. West Haverstraw NY. Viewing at 10am, Service at 11am. The sanctuary has limited seating so overflow guests will find seating available on the lower level of the church with a TV monitor live streaming the service. Burial with Military Honors will be held immediately after the service at the Frederick Loescher Veterans Cemetery, Brick Church Rd., New Hempstead, NY 10977. In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations in loving Memory of Pastor Luigi Grimaldi may be made to: Joe Raso Hospice(hospiceofrockland.org), Light For The Lost (lftl.ag.org) or Bible Alliance Legacy Fund (biblealliance.org).