Vale Annesley Grero: A Truly Wonderful And Jovial Family Member And Friend -By Lawrence Machado
It’s hard to believe that our wonderful, funny, and very supportive brother-in-law, Annesley Wilfred Thomas Grero, is no more. Annesley, who was married to our eldest sister Sally, passed away on July 29 in Melbourne. He was 73. As per his wishes, he was fondly farewelled in a private funeral service on August 11.
Annesley lived a full, rich life, sharing his time and skills generously to his family and many friends while sparing no effort to ensure his home was his castle.
A private person in many ways, he was a proud Sri Lankan Australian and an alumnus of St Peter’s College, Colombo, always supporting his Motherland and adopted country. He cherished his heritage and wore his college colours as a badge of honour.
He loved his cars and motorbikes, and was delighted that his love for vehicles had been passed down to his sons, Graham and Dominic, and his grandchildren
Annesley played basketball for St Peters and cricket for Bloomfield and Ceylon Tobacco Company, where his Dad Godwin, had worked for several decades.
Annesley was a well-known figure at the Peterite OBU events in Melbourne for many years, supporting his Alma Mater in many ways.
Wanted No Fuss
He was diagnosed with a serious lung illness more than five years ago, and being someone who hated any fuss, he wanted this kept private. He decided against a lung transplant, even though the specialists said he was eligible for one.
Instead of bemoaning his sudden state of health – aside from his lungs, he had the constitution of an ox, his doctor used to say – Annesley started ticking off his bucket list.
From trips to support and watch his grandkids play representative sport, Annesley visited many counties and places, even enjoying a short cruise in 2025, which he said was something he always wanted to do.
One of the proudest things he said was accompanying his eldest grandchild, Shameka a few months ago for her driving test, which she passed with flying colours.
He was immensely proud of his sons, Graham and Dominic, helping them learn the rudiments of cricket in their backyard in Melton, where the family thrived. Annesley was thrilled when his grandchildren also took up sports and attended as many of their training sessions and matches as possible.
Loved His Tram Job
Annesley worked in senior roles for several garment factories in Sri Lanka in addition to CTC, before migrating to Australia in 1987. He was held a few jobs in Melbourne before joining the tram network, where he worked for more than 35 years, gaining a reputation for his work ethic, punctuality, and respect for colleagues and his job.
As his sons say, he valued punctuality — “better to be an hour earlier than 10 minutes late” — something they and their children follow to this day.
Annesley’s sister Antoinette (Deanna), who travelled from England for the funeral, represented the family, sealing the loving ties he and his siblings Blanche (Shirley) and Rosemarie shared.
Annesley was a tower of strength to our family when we lost our elder brother Axie in a tragic accident in 1985, supporting Dad and Mum, while treating Axie’s widow Leonie and children Romuald and Roshika as his own family.
To see Annesley change from being a strict but kind father to the most caring grandfather was something we always remember and chided him about. He could not be prouder of them, as their home was always a special place for their five grandchildren.
As many who knew him closely would agree, Annesley did not suffer fools but loved a good joke and enjoyed playing pranks on everyone. He was funny to the end, never seeing his death as the end but as the start of another eternal journey.
Generosity Knew No Bounds
At the other end of the scale, his generosity and kindness knew no bounds to family and friends. As the true Christian he was, he never spoke of helping others.
He adored his parents, Pearl and Godwin, visiting them several times in Sri Lanka before they passed away.
Annesley leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Sally, sons Graham, and Dominic, daughters-in-law Natalie and Ashlee, grandchildren Shameka, Tanae, Elijah, Kryan, and Laiken, sisters Blanche, Antoinette, and Rosemarie, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and nephews.
He is also mourned by his in-laws, relations, and many friends in Australia, Sri Lanka, and around the world.
Thank you, dear Annesley, for all that you have done for our family in Sri Lanka and Australia, as your support was priceless.
May you rest in peace, Annesley. You fought the good fight, and may the holy angels welcome you to Heaven.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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