Grelles, Emmanuel John "Mike" of Martins Ferry and Bridgeport, Ohio died Friday, October 28, 2011 at Forest Hill in St. Clairsville.

He was born June 3, 1925 in Windsor Heights, West Virginia, a son of the late John Emmanuel Grelles and Flora Hadam Grelles.

Mike was retired from International Harvester, Shadyside Stamping Pant, and was a proud member of the U.A.W. Local, prior to that he was a union painter. He took great pride in the signs he painted for which many local charities benefited. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during WWII with extended tours in Africa and the Mediterranean. His participation in the invasion of Sicily was his most memorable event. He reached the rank of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class and carried his Navy I.D. with him always. He was proud to be an American Veteran.

He was a passionate gardener and shared his harvests with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Antoni and James.

Surviving is the love of his life, Emma Riba Grelles; their son, Michael Emmanuel Grelles of Bridgeport; granddaughters, Kelly Michelle Grelles of Weldon Spring, MO., and Nicole Anne Grelles of St. Peters, MO.; sisters, Rose Grelles Barnes of St. Clairsville, and Mary Grelles Barnes of Canton, Ohio.

Friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m where services will be held on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. with Monsignor Gene W. Mullett officiating. Burial with Military Honors follows at Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 117, P. O. Box 188, Bellaire, Ohio 43906.

Special thanks to the staff at Forest Hill and to his sister, Rose for her daily devotion to meeting his wants and needs.