Gretchen E. Grasso

Gretchen Elizabeth Grasso (Cobb), 84, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on April 4th, 2026 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

Born in Newburyport on August 8th, 1941, Gretchen was the oldest of five children of the late Howard Cobb and Gertrude Cobb (Harvey). Gretchen was a graduate of Newburyport High School, Class of 1959 and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Class of 1963.

Gretchen met her husband, Raymond R Grasso, after graduating from college. She enjoyed over 50 years of marriage with Ray, who passed away on March 15th, 2015. Gretchen and Ray were the owners and operators of Tony’s Diner in Seabrook for more than 40 years. Their customers were like family to them.

In her retirement, Gretchen enjoyed socializing with her friends, skiing, sewing, and spending time with her family. Gretchen enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida.

Gretchen was predeceased by her husband Ray and her son, Michael. Gretchen is survived by her grandchildren, Anthony Grasso, Patrick Grasso, Nicole French-Wollen, and her great-grandson Anthony Grasso Jr. Gretchen was predeceased by her brother, Charles Cobb and sister Janice Merrill, and is survived by her sisters Nancy Klauss and Stephanie Cobb, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Visiting hours will be at the Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport on Friday, April 17th from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm at New England Christian Church, 249 Lafayette Road, Salisbury MA. Interment will take place during the summer at Belleville Cemetery, Newburyport.