Charlie Grilliot

Charles Grilliot, age 33 from Roeland Park, died Sunday night. He is survived by his father Joseph, brother Marvin, cousin Cecilia, sister-in-law Rachel, nephews Sam and Ben and nieces Alexsandra and Magdalena.

Services will be held Monday, July 20th at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 1001 E. 52nd Street with a visitation at 10 am and memorial mass at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Free Health Clinic, 3515 Broadway, KCMO 64111.

Charlie lived his entire life in Roeland Park. He was an active member of Hope, a support group for gay and lesbian Catholics. He worked at Continental Airlines for eleven years and considered some of his co-workers as his second family. He is remembered for being hard working, loyal and kind to all. Gringo is remembered by all for his boundless generosity. During his mom’s long struggle with cancer, he lovingly cared for her. His devotion to her was an inspiration to others. He was by her bedside when she died May 1. They were very close. As an uncle, god-father, and friend he had no equal. He shared of his time and resources with all. He felt best in the company of loved ones, especially when he could help make others happy. Charlie had a special gift for serving. He thrived on taking care of visitors to his house. To his family and friends, Charlie was an excellent listener and counselor.

Because of his job’s benefits, Charlie traveled the world. He had been to Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia and he was especially fond of the ocean.

Perhaps the most universal memory of Charlie was his smile. He lit up the room when he entered. He had a quick wit and was an excellent dancer.

Charlie will be remembered for his dedication to his relationships. His ambitions involved others’ happiness. He will be greatly missed. He embodied Jesus command to love others.

Condolences

  1. Fr. Terry McCloskey on July 16, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    My deepest sympathies to all of Charlie’s family. He truly brought joy wherever he went. We will miss him greatly.



  2. Jim Kogel on July 16, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    I feel so fortunate to have known Charlie. God bless you, Gringo!



  3. Carol, J.D., and Joy Jacobs and the Maciel Family on July 16, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    A longtime friend of our family will be missed! Joe and Marvin you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you!



  4. Steven Langridge on July 16, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    i surely will miss him. He saved my life with his words of wisdom. I will forever be thankful.



  5. Deb Kunkler and Family on July 16, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Joe and Marvin; there is nothing I can say to make either of you feel better during this time. All of us in Ohio will always remember Charlie for his Sparkling eyes with mischief, laugh, smile, and especially his favorite saying as a kid “You Look Marvelous”. Both of you take care and even though in Ohio if there is anything we can do – please do not hesitate to call – We love both of you very much.



  6. Julie Lucito Copenhaver on July 16, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Charlie’s smile will never be forgotten. You are all in my prayers. God bless.



  7. Shawna Sutera Wright on July 16, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I went to highschool with Charlie and it sounds as if he touched many lives over the last 13 years. My deepest sympathies.



  8. Kathy Vincent on July 16, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    I went to high school with Charlie and I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.



  9. Ken and Linda Franklin on July 16, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    We are Jenni Bobay’s parent’s and remember your family from the Wedding. So sorry you are going thru such tragic times. Please know that our thought’s and prayer’s are with you all. Keep close the special times.



  10. Tim and Raul on July 16, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    We are so sorry for the loss of Charlie. He was a truely special person. He will be missed by all.



  11. Donna Parrish on July 16, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    Joe, Marvin and family, You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Charlie was a bright light in my life. He knew how to make others smile and made the world a happier place. May your faith in God help you endure this trying time. You know I’m here if you need anything.



  12. Dorothy Ruzich Meyer on July 16, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I have many memories of Charlie from grade school and high school. He will be missed.



  13. Michael Gallup on July 16, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    Just want to say Charlie touched many lives he was a very special person and always knew how to put a smile on any ones face he is going to be missed greatly I know he is in a better place now Charlie may you be in peace with GOD’S arms wrapped around you .



  14. Chuck, Vickie, Sarah, Rachael.Laura. and Emily Broerman on July 16, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    Joe and Marvin we heard of this devastating news. We are so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Charlie always made us laugh when you visited North Star and when we had the chance to stop by and visit on our way back to Ohio from Colorado. God Bless both of you and all of your family. We miss you all and are praying for you both. Charlie is with his mother now sitting there making Kye, Bertha and Grandma and Grandpa Stammen laugh with the angels.



  15. Stephanie Aleksaites Willming on July 17, 2009 at 3:56 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grilliots having recently loss Jeff I can understand their grief. I’ll never forget his smile and playing “ghosts in the graveyard” nearly everynight in the summer growing up. You will be missed.



  16. Larry & Gina Hutchison on July 17, 2009 at 6:21 am

    Things will not be the same without Charlie at Continental. His smile, his friendship, and his mischief will be missed. God Bless you and keep you during this difficult time.



  17. Ben Keech on July 17, 2009 at 7:03 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grilliot family. I have so many great childhood memories and “Chuck” is in so many of them. For that I am eternally greatful.



  18. Jason & Ginger Weber on July 17, 2009 at 7:29 am

    We were so lucky to have met Charlie many times. He was a joy. His smile will be in my mind for many years. It is a rare gift that he had of lighting up a room just by entering. We are praying for his family and extended family because with charlie everyone was treated as family.



  19. Bryan Taber on July 17, 2009 at 8:02 am

    As others have said, we’re truly going to miss Charlie’s infectious smile, caring and generous heart, as well as his frequent mischief behavior we all loved. I feel truly blessed to have shared such special moments with him these past years. God Bless you, Charlie Grilliot. I’m going to miss you.



  20. Marie & Andy Pickard on July 17, 2009 at 9:01 am

    Charlie truelly did follow Jesus’ command. So many are grieving with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.



  21. Ken and Judy Decker on July 17, 2009 at 9:31 am

    Joe, Marvin and family, we are so saddened and sorry about your loss. A friendly, caring person with a quick smile, we remember that Charlie was never at a loss for a dance partner at the CO parties. How he loved to dance! When we would come in on a CO flight, we would always look out the window to see if Charlie was working and hope he could see us waving at him. We have all lost someone special.
    With prayers for your comfort and fond memories of a dear person named Charlie,
    Ken and Judy Decker



  22. Ed Connealy on July 17, 2009 at 9:40 am

    Marvin, I will be thinking about you. Ed



  23. John Karori on July 17, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I had the opportunity to meet charlie, “chuck” through a friend and we instantly became friends his smile and generosity endless, he opened his house to us many a times, always yearning to do something special to his friends. Charlie i will always remember you and your radiant personality. God bless the Grilliots at this time. You were a treasure charlie, and a great friend!



  24. J.J. Weigel on July 17, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Mr. Grilliot, Marvin and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I understand that this is a tough time, but just hang in there and stay strong.



  25. JJ Weigel on July 17, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Mr. Grilliot, Marvin, and entire Grilliot family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, All I can say is hang in there, and be strong. God has a plan for everybody and I guess he needed Charlie. I consider myself one of the lucky ones for getting a chance to know him, and all of you guys as well. God Bless.



  26. Janice Hughes on July 17, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Dear Joe, Marvin, and Rachel, my heart and prayers go out to you. I, like so many others, have very special memories of Charlie and times shared. He brought joy and happiness to many of us with his beautiful smile, that twinkle in his eye, his great sense of humor and mischief, and his gentle spirit. I will miss him. May you feel the love and care of all of us who know you and Charlie, and may you feel God’s presence ever more closely.



  27. Janice Hughes on July 17, 2009 at 10:12 am

    Dear Joe, Marvin, and Rachel, my heart and prayers go out to you. I am very grateful, like so many others, to have known Charlie and shared special times with him. I will miss his beautiful smile and that twinkle in his eye. Charlie brought his joy and a caring and generous spirit to our gatherings. I will miss him dearly. May you find strength in knowing how Charlie touched so many of us.



  28. Mary Anne Blake on July 17, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Marvin and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Anne and Peggy Blake



  29. Andrew on July 17, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    I did not know Charlie personally, but my close friend spoke of him in such high regard I feel the world has lost a good soul.



  30. Kevin Walker & Alex Flemington on July 17, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    Dear Joe, Marvin and Rachel. It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences. We shared numerous joyful times with Charlie. His smile and pleaantness is a loss to all. He was one of God’s gentle people. May you remember his gentleness in the warmth of the sunshine and his smile in the rays that glimmer and stream between the clouds. He will be missed. With God’s blessings, Kevin and Alex



  31. Brian Paul on July 17, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Marvin, my deepest condolences for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. Brian and Johanna



  32. Beth and Dana on July 17, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    Joe, we are so sorry. We will call you soon. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you. Beth & Dana



  33. daniel larson on July 17, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    charlie was in my class my name is daniel and played basketball together HE WAS THE BIGGEST HUSTLER IVE EVER SEEN IT WAS TRULY AMAZING my prayers are with you



  34. Mariann McCormally on July 17, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Charlie’s smile and kind manner were a gift to me (and to so many others.) I feel privileged to have shared prayer and worship with him at St. Francis. I hope in faith that we will “share in the Lord’s table” again in heaven some day. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of terrible loss and sadness.



  35. April Keech Leslie on July 17, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Joe & Marvin,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of Charlie a lot over the past few months and even asked Ben to get me back in touch with him somehow. He was one of my best childhood friends and I have great memories of playing school (he was the mean teacher with the ruler), playing house, hiding in secret pathways in the house on Buena Vista, and best of all, playing “sacks” which was when we would take about 20 plastic sacks, let them blow all over the yard and attempt to tame and control them with brooms and sticks. HAHA…those were good times and I will cherish those memories with Charlie forever.
    You will be in my prayers.



  36. Bill and Mary Lou Ribble on July 17, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    Mr.Grilliott and Family, We feel Charlie was truly an Ambassador Of Goodwill. He enriched the lives of his friends and co-workers just being himself. You have our sympathy and our prayers.



  37. Matt on July 17, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Matt You’re in my thoughts and prayers . Charlie always had that great smile ,that could lift your spirts no matter what. He always was a good friend. He will be missed by myself and many others. One thing i love about Charlie the most was, he never had anything bad to say about people. He wa always full of joy , and love. He will be missed!!!!



  38. Chet on July 17, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    Of my friend I can only say this, of all the souls I have ever known his was the most tender hearted and child like. Charlie…rest in peace,until we meet again!.



  39. Chet on July 17, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    Of all the souls I have ever known his was the most tender hearted and child like. Charlie…rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again!.



  40. Chet on July 17, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    Of all the souls I have ever known his was the most tender hearted and child like. Charlie…rest in peace my friend. Until we meet again!.



  41. Sharon and David Hoover on July 18, 2009 at 12:45 am

    Joe and Marvin, words are inadequate to express our sorrow at the loss of Charlie. You are in our prayers and our thoughts. We hold you in our hearts.



  42. Christine Godin on July 18, 2009 at 8:58 am

    to Rachel, Marvin and Joe–I hardly know what to say. This has been a very tough year for you and my hope is that your faith will see you to the other side. I will call you soon.



  43. Niccole Noblitt on July 18, 2009 at 9:00 am

    I would just like to express my condolences to your family, suffering one tragic loss a year is more than one should have to bear, and you have suffered two. There are no adequate word to express my condolences to you, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in knowing your loved ones are in heaven and can be viewed in all the beauty of nature.



  44. John Veal and Skip Staudt on July 18, 2009 at 9:04 am

    Joe, Marvin, and Rachel, we were shocked and so saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. We didn’t know him well, but we did work with him once preparing dinner one night at the Catholic Worker house in Midtown. He was, to us, a good soul who seemed joyful and eager to serve others. We’ve always admired your family, so obviously close and loving, worshiping together at 10:30 Mass at SFX. We can’t imagine your pain, coming as this does on top of the recent loss of your wifemother. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this painful time.



  45. Megan Hope and Bob McGill on July 18, 2009 at 9:15 am

    Joe, Marvin, Rachel, Sam, Ben, Maggie and all of Charlie’s family and friends–We are so, so sorry for the loss of Charlie from this life. We were honored to know him and, like all of you, he made everyone feel at home and like a member of his own family. You are all constantly in our prayers, and we are here to help in any way we might. We love you very much. Megan and Bob



  46. Alfred Utton on July 18, 2009 at 9:23 am

    So many of my memories of Kansas City are of Charlie. He was the only person outside of family to visit me in Costa Rica the two years I was there. Such a good friend. I miss him so much.



  47. David Goeckeler on July 18, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Dear family, May God grant you peace that passeth all undersstanding. I met Charlie through a friend within the past number of years, and feel lucky and blessed to have met him and become friends with him. I truly always looked forward to seeing him. We can all remember Charlie as an example as how we should treat each other in order to fulfill Christ’s commandment. I will always aspire to be like him in this way and will remember him with great fondness. God bless you all during this difficult time.



  48. Anne Berry on July 18, 2009 at 11:52 am

    Dear Rachel, Marvin, and Joe, I’m so sad to hear about Charlie’s death, and so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Anne



  49. Lisa Feingold on July 18, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Although ususally verbose, I have no words to appropriately capture how sorry I am for your family’s loss. I am here for anything you need. You have my love and prayers.



  50. Jim Jennifer Zach @Steph on July 18, 2009 at 1:07 pm


  51. Cecilia gomez on July 18, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    I miss you gringo so much, tu chilena.



  52. Mark Stallbaumer on July 18, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    I will miss getting to know you Gringo.



  53. Roberta Reyes (BERT) on July 18, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Family ~ My sympathy on your loss. My husband Jimmy worked with Charlie. Charlie always liked to joke around and make me laugh. I will never forget his huge smile that could light up a room. He will be missed by all and will never be forgotten. You all are in my prayers.



  54. juanita on July 18, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Words can not begin express the pain I feel for the family and friends. I have only known him for a short time but it seems as if I knew him for ever my prayer are with Charlie and the family especially Cecilia. GOD BLESS



  55. Tyrone Gant on July 19, 2009 at 3:24 am

    I’m glad Charlie touched my life. He always greeted me with his warm smile. I’ll miss you.



  56. Matt McGarry on July 19, 2009 at 4:51 am

    Mr. Grilliot, Marvin, and Rachel: I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It was a privelege to have the chance to meet Charlie when he would drop by for a quick visit to Marv and Rach in Nica. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.



  57. Donna Rex on July 19, 2009 at 7:11 am

    My prayers are with Charlie’s family as they endure this difficult time. Charlie brought joy to the many lives he touched. He is now peacefully resting in Jesus arms!



  58. Mark, Anne, Roque and Maura on July 19, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Joe, Marvin and Rachel, We are so very sorry to hear about Charlie. Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you as you move through this painful time. Abrazos fuertes from all of us.



  59. Mel Cox on July 19, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    Charlie was well liked by everyone at Continental Airlines. He was a hard worker, caring and always had a smile when he greeted you. And he will be dearly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.



  60. Lugenia Dukovich on July 19, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    I am thankful for getting the chance to meet Charlie,my prayers are with Charlie’s family.



  61. Bert & Elizabeth Roney on July 19, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    The entire Grilliot family remains in our prayers during this difficult time. God Bless.



  62. Bert & Elizabeth Roney on July 19, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    The entire Grilliot family remains in our prayers during this difficult time. God Bless.



  63. Theresa & Jeannie on July 19, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    We are thankful for knowing Charlie he was a kind soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with is family at this most difficult time. We are sorry for your loss. God is GREAT



  64. Kara Kurtenbach on July 20, 2009 at 12:58 am

    Charlie was a good friend from St. Agnes and Miege. I am so sorry for your loss. In time, may your sorrow turn to peace. Most Sincerely, Kara Kurtenbach



  65. Gerri Sopyla on July 20, 2009 at 7:48 am

    Our prayers are with you.
    May time fill your hearts with the happiest of memories.
    ~~Blessings
    Frank and Gerri Sopyla



  66. Brent Boydston on July 20, 2009 at 9:31 am

    Grilliot family- I’m so sorry for your loss. I consider myself lucky to have known Charlie. His bright smile and warmth to all will be missed.



  67. Louise Mugure on July 20, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    The love of a loved one never dies. It lives forever in the hearts of those that loved them. I knew
    Charlie through Chet and I always will remember him laughing and playing with his friends out in the snow. For his family; May the Lord always keep you in His perfect peace. I am trully sorry for your loss. God bless you.



  68. Keith and Kwapiszeski on July 20, 2009 at 3:02 pm

    Marvin and family: I am truely sorry for your loss, and will be praying for you and your family.



  69. Andrew on July 20, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    I’m sorry for the loss of Charlie. We have lost a great brother and saint. He touched so many of us and I will miss him.



  70. janet on July 20, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    I had met Charlie thru Gina and Amy on several occasions. He ALWAYS had a smile and made others feel welcome in his presence. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and memories of his smile will continue to light up the world.



  71. Kristen Lionetti on July 21, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    I’m deeply sorry to hear of this loss. Please be assured that you all are in thoughts and prayers of many. I wish and blessings during this hard time.



  72. Becca and Paul Mohally Renk on July 21, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Dear Joe, Marvin, and Rachel: We are so sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of meeting Charlie in Nicaragua when we all took that fateful trip to climb Mombotombo. He kept his cool even when Marvin rode a horse to raise a posse at a local bar to look for Jared and Paul. We know he will be greatly missed. We’re all praying for your family. We love you guys, Becca and Paul



  73. Tracey King-Ortega on July 24, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    I am so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. I remember hanging out with Charlie on a couple occasions and have fond memories of his kind soul.

    Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

    Much love,
    Tracey and Mainor



  74. tina amaro on July 27, 2009 at 11:15 am

    To Charlie’s family and friends, I did not know Charlie well, went to high school with his older brother, and knew Charlie through my sister who went to high school with him. I knew of him, his kind, compassionate heart, and then so I felt I knew him. I saw him at the airport and around town from time to time, and he intrigued me, must have been his spirit, and of course smile! I am saddened to hear of your loss, a true angel here on earth! May he be an inspiration to us all! God bless! ~Tina Amaro



  75. cecilia on October 26, 2009 at 3:20 am

    I miss you so much Gringo…….



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