Ron Grasso’s many life lessons

Posted 9/3/15

To the Editor:

For decades he was “The Mattress Man,” a familiar face seen at the Rocky Hill Flea Market, the West Warwick Flea Market, the Bald Hill Road Flea Market and his tiny storefront …

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Ron Grasso’s many life lessons

Posted

To the Editor:

For decades he was “The Mattress Man,” a familiar face seen at the Rocky Hill Flea Market, the West Warwick Flea Market, the Bald Hill Road Flea Market and his tiny storefront across from the Benny’s Plaza on West Shore Road in Wildes Corner. His hair and full beard were snow white and perfectly groomed. His personality was “more than a little gruff.” His physical stature was a bit undersized but his heart was as big as Texas.

I learned from him that I need to be fearlessly outspoken if I’m going to get my message across. He taught me that if I am convinced that I’m on the right track that I should never let anyone try to push me off it. Because of him, and the courage he gave me, they won’t. I knew Ron for decades and respected every word he said even if I had to eliminate the four-letter ones.

Ron Grasso passed away three weeks ago and, at a gathering of his immediate family his widow, Ann Marie, asked me to say a few words. I couldn’t. Losing this great friend was too much for me. All I could do was cry. I think I said, “I can’t talk” but I’m not sure. I’m trying to make up for it now by telling anyone who reads this that Ron Grasso is a man I want my children to grow up like. He was a maverick. He was a rebel. He looked at “the establishment” and questioned their motives. He was outspoken when he saw or read something that he felt was “a ripoff to the taxpayers!”  He oftentimes barked about “throwing the bums out!” and how the city of Warwick was “taking advantage” (wow, is that a cleaned-up version of what he really said).

As a candidate for mayor in 2014 I had an obligation to listen to his complaints. As a fellow taxpayer and dear friend, I couldn’t disagree with Ron’s logic. Although he presented it as a tirade, he just made too much sense to ignore his message. Ron spoke his mind without any filters, without any political correctness and with absolutely no discretion. He didn’t fear anyone who might attack-back if they were offended by “the truth according to Ron,” as he put it. He taught me the value of having courage, of having total conviction.  I believe that my ability to speak out against “taxes” and “spending” comes from being personally tutored by Ron Grasso, and I will be forever grateful.

But there was another side of this man that needs to be remembered. He was the most giving person I have ever met. Not just his money that he worked seven days a week, 52 weeks a year for, but his time as well that he donated on a daily basis. He housed for free, those who needed it. He fed many with food and also life experiences. He was a father figure to a few dozen others (include me on that list please). He donated hours of his time at the drop of a hat and never stayed around when the “thank yous” were being passed out. Receiving praise was not in his DNA. That part of him was probably his greatest quality.

Years ago (and this is the story I had planned on telling to his family but couldn’t) Ron and I had a mortgage transaction (I am a mortgage loan originator) that got almost to the end but Ron decided to back out. He told me, “Don’t worry. I’ll give you a free mattress and box spring set anytime you want one.” Six years later we brought my father to Greenwich Bay Assisted Living and I called on Ron. I never expected what happened next. He asked me what my father’s room number was and told me he’d call me back. A few hours later he called and said, “I put a new plastic mattress cover on your father’s new mattress.” I responded with “Ron, um…where are you?” And, in typical gruff fashion, he spouted, “I’m in your father’s room! What-da-ya-think!? The new mattress is on his bed and I’m leaving now with the old one.” I then asked, “Well, what do I owe you?” His voice got louder. “Nothin’.” I told you I would give you one for free didn’t I?”

 Ron Grasso kept his word after six years had gone by when most people would have forgotten they ever promised it after six days! Ron Grasso is one of few people in this world that had the level of character to keep his promises no matter how much time had passed. I learned this life lesson from him and I will never forget the importance of it. His ashes are somewhere in the ocean. He found great solace in fishing alone at Warwick Marina as the evening sun set…just Ron and his thoughts.

Rest in peace, old friend. I will never forget you. None of us will. 

Richard Corrente

Warwick

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  • JohnStark

    Well said. Ron was a unique, giving, genuinely nice guy. He'll be missed.

    Friday, September 4, 2015 Report this