Robert B. Grinold

WILMINGTON- Robert B. Grinold, 80, a resident of Ray Hill Road, died Wednesday, August 5, at his home surrounded by his family. 
Robert was born in Hartford, CT on February 28, 1940, the son of Raymond and Cleo Costello Grinold. He attended West Hartford schools, graduating from Conard High School in 1958, then earning his bachelor’s degree from Bryant College. Mr. Grinold started his career working in his family’s auto parts business until transitioning to real estate. Upon moving to Vermont in 1969, he started a small construction and real estate development business while also opening a ski lodge on Ray Hill. An early visionary in the Vermont hospitality industry, he loved hosting guests and was best known as innkeeper of the White House Inn, which he continued to operate up until his death. Mr. Grinold was a founding member of the Dover Dunkers, a member of the chamber of commerce in Wilmington, a former Wilmington Town Manager, and was proud to have been a founding member of Deerfield Valley Rescue. He loved sailing, scuba diving, listening to the sounds of Jimmy Buffet, and was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Mr. Grinold is survived by his wife Arleen Kunzi Songailo, of Wilmington; children Donna Joy Hawley, of Arlington, VA, Sandra Giampa and her husband Steven, of Walpole, MA, Susan Wood and her husband Scott, of Frederick, MD, Adam Grinold and his wife Karen, of Wilmington, and step-daughter Deborah Songailo-Cottrill and her husband Don, of South Glastonbury, CT; grandchildren Sarah, Selena, Benjamin, Aubri, Owen, and Grace; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond Wade Grinold and William B. Grinold. 
A celebration of the life of Robert B. Grinold was held Saturday, August 8, in the garden at the White House in Wilmington. If friends desire gifts in Robert’s memory may be made to Deerfield Valley Community Cares, Home Heating Assistance, c/o Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, PO Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send the family personal condolences please visitwww.sheafuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, 44 East Main Street, Wilmington.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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