Patricia M. “Patti” Grant-Zollo

Greece: Passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 73. Patricia is predeceased by her parents, Gerald & Florence (Wood) Grant; brother, Terrance Grant. She is survived by her husband, Daniel M. Zollo; son, Lee (Janine) Cropo; grandchildren, Vincent (Olivia) Cropo & Madison (William) Harris; great-granddaughter, Ava Harris; siblings, Robert (Sue) Grant, Mark Grant, Geraldine Torregiano, Frances Reeb, Rene Smith & Gerald Grant Jr; several special nieces & nephews; many cousins and dear friends.

Patricia’s life story will be shared during visitation, 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, February 6th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:00am on Saturday, February 7th at St. Monica Church, 831 Genesee St, Rochester, NY 14611. Inurnment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Monica Church or to Rochester Regional, c/o Hildebrandt Hospice, 330 Monroe Ave, Suite 400, Rochester, NY 14607 in Patti’s memory.

Remembering Patti ~

Patricia M. “Patti” Grant-Zollo was born on March 17, 1952—St. Patrick’s Day—at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, New York. Being born on both a holiday and a leap year felt fitting for Patti, who always stood just a little apart from the ordinary. Her name reflected the day she was born, and her life reflected the strength, spirit, and determination that came to define her.

The year Patti was born was one of notable moments and milestones. Dwight D. Eisenhower won the presidential election, The Diary of Anne Frank was published, and both the first air bag and roll-on deodorant were invented. A gallon of milk cost just $0.96, gas was $0.20 per gallon, the average annual income was $3,400, the average home cost $9,050, and the average car sold for $1,700. Patti’s life would unfold across decades of enormous change, and she met each stage with grit, humor, and heart.

Patti was the daughter of Florence (Wood) Grant and Gerald Grant. Gerald worked as a butcher at Tobin’s, and it was from him that Patti inherited her cooking skills and appreciation for doing things carefully and correctly. Florence was a homemaker who passed down her love of shopping, fashion, and keeping a well-run home. Patti carried both influences proudly throughout her life. She grew up alongside her siblings—Terrance, Robert, Mark, Geraldine, Frances, Rene, and Gerald Jr.—in a lively household that also included many dogs, beginning a lifelong love of animals and nurturing.

Meticulous, fierce, and adventurous, Patti never accepted the phrase “good enough.” Whether it was in the kitchen, at home, or in life, she believed things should be done the right way. She enjoyed ironing, did not allow shoes in the house, and took pride in keeping everything just so. At the same time, she had an enormous heart—she loved every baby she encountered and found joy in caring for others.

Patti attended St. Augustine School and Madison High School, remained a devoted member of the Catholic Church, and was actively involved in the PTA at Most Precious Blood. Her hobbies included bowling, reading, and running. It was at Brighton Bowl where she met her husband, Daniel Zollo, beginning a partnership rooted in companionship and shared adventure.

Together, Patti and Daniel traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Hawaii, and making multiple trips to Florida—always happiest when a beach was involved. Patti also loved shopping, baking, and cooking, especially recipes that brought people together. Her Christmas cutout cookies and goulash became legendary, treasured not just for their taste but for the love baked into them.

Music was a constant joy in Patti’s life. She loved country music but truly appreciated all genres. Her favorites included Cher, Barry Manilow, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, though she enjoyed music of every kind. Her favorite movies, Grease and The Wizard of Oz, were ones she could watch again and again.

Patti was a proud mother to her son, Lee Cropo, and nothing mattered more to her than her family—especially her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She adored watching her grandchildren, attending all of their sporting events, and being present for every milestone she could. Family always came first.

Friendship was another cornerstone of Patti’s life. She cultivated many lifelong friendships that led to countless memorable holidays, vacations, and weekend shenanigans filled with laughter, loyalty, and love. Her favorite saying, “You is important,” perfectly captured how she treated everyone she knew—making people feel valued, supported, and seen.

Though Patti faced difficult health challenges, she remained young at heart, strong in spirit, and determined to live fully. Through it all, her sister Geraldine, lovingly known as “G,” was a constant source of encouragement and positivity, helping Patti face life’s challenges with resilience and humor.

Loyal, devoted, passionate, comedic, and strong, Patti lived a life defined by service and love. She was a devoted caregiver to multiple family members and friends in their times of need, always showing up when it mattered most.
Her legacy lives on in her traditions, her recipes, her care for others, and the countless lives she touched. A life well-lived. A rest well-earned.