Carl Grisso

Carl Eugene Grisso Jr., age 85, passed away on October 7, 2025, in Billings, Montana.

Carl was born on November 12, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Carl Eugene Grisso and Theresa May Hare (Grisso Rogers). He spent his early childhood in Marriottsville, Maryland, where he was surrounded by a large extended family—his aunts and uncles were like brothers and sisters to him.

Carl began his education at Ellicott City Elementary and Junior High School.  He then attended McDonogh School for 2 years and transferred to Howard County Senior High School, where he graduated in 1957.  He played lacrosse, football, and ran track.  He went on to attend the University of Maryland for two years and remained a lifelong fan of the Maryland Terps.

In February 1961, Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he attended language school, became fluent in Russian, and was stationed at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. While there, he flew missions near the Russian border. He was honorably discharged in May 1965.

On January 8, 1966, Carl married Carol Ann Schultz at the University of Maryland Memorial Chapel in College Park, Maryland. They had two children: Cara (Garth) Olds, born March 26, 1967, and Eric (Cheryl) Grisso, born February 20, 1969. Carl and Carol divorced in 1991.

From 1966 to 1972, Carl worked as a UPS deliveryman in Maryland. In 1972, he moved his family to Bridger, Montana, where he became a beekeeper. During the warm months, he worked in the alfalfa fields of Carbon County, and in the fall, the bees were moved to spend the winter in the almond orchards in Central California.

Carl was active in the Bridger community. He was a member of the Lions Club, helped organize the installation of the Jim Bridger statue at the entrance to town, and served on the local school board, eventually becoming chairman.

In 1990, Carl retired from beekeeping and moved to Billings, Montana. There, he began a second career as a detention officer at Yellowstone County Jail, where he worked for 20 years before retiring.

In his later years, Carl enjoyed reading—especially science fiction and mystery novels—and was a master of crossword puzzles.

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Carl Grisso; his mother, Theresa Rogers; his aunts and uncles; and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Rogers. He is survived by his daughter, Cara Olds; his son, Eric Grisso; and his brothers, James Rogers, Robert Rogers, and Michael Rogers.