From a very young age, it was evident that Anthony was special. He was a vibrant young man who embraced every aspect of life from the beginning. He always wore the biggest smile on his face and was a constant light in everyone's lives.

At the young age of 5, Anthony was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne, often abbreviated as DMD, is a progressive and severe muscle-wasting condition.

Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Anthony never allowed it to prevent him from enjoying the simple pleasures that every child cherishes. Anthony found immense joy in music and cooking. Music provided him with tranquility, while cooking became a way for him to showcase his creativity.

Sadly, at the age of 16, Anthony passed away at the start of what would have been his senior year at Islip High School. During our family's most challenging times, we were enveloped by an outpouring of unwavering love, support, and assistance from our community and many others.

To honor Anthony's legacy, and to give back to those who helped us, our family created the "Anthony M. Grilli Memorial Scholarship Fund".

Each year, we host a golf outing at Timberpoint Country Club in Great River. Our fundraising efforts allow us to award scholarships to Islip High School seniors pursuing college degrees in both music and culinary arts, and donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in memory of Anthony.

Any contribution—big or small—would mean the world to our family. Our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been a source of strength, support, and comfort to us and our beloved Anthony is immeasurable. We cannot begin to thank you all enough.

Anthony would be proud to know that we honor his life each year and that you all are a part of it as well. Most importantly, it would help support our mission and keep Anthony’s spirit alive in the most special way.