Posted in: Archie, Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, DC Comics, Marvel Comics | Tagged: Francine Grillo, rip

Francine Grillo, Marvel & DC Comics Employee For 28 Years, Has Died

Francine Grillo was a longstanding Marketing & Licensing Executive for Marvel and DC for 28 years. She has now died, at the age of 72.

Francine Grillo was a longstanding Marketing & Licensing Executive for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from 1981 to 2009. Her sister Sue Grillo posted to Facebook, "To all of Francine's friends. Thank you for contributing to her fabulous life. My sister Francine Grillo has passed away. Anyone who knew her, knows what a radiant force she was. Words escape me at the moment. There will be a memorial on February 3, 2024 from 3-8 at McLaughlin & Sons, 9620 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209."

After graduating high school early, Francine Grillo became a secretary before answering an ad in the New York Times reading "Entertainment Company seeks secretary." That company was Marvel, but in the interview, rather than secretary to the President, she was offered a position in International Rights, which saw her travel the world and rise within the company. As well as a secretary, she worked as a liaison between international publishers and the reproduction department, and then into negiotiating the rights themselves. She was an Administrative Manager for Marvel Comics for ten years from 1981 to 1991, and was also well known in fan circles for setting up and manning convention booths at comic cons.

She was headhunted by Chantal D'Aulnis, the President of Domestic/International Rights over at DC to be Manager of International Rights, where she stayed for eighteen years from 1991 to Jul 2009. She is credited with increasing sales of DC comics in Korea by 75%, in Poland by 50% and in Russia by 35%, winning her the Warner Bros. Carrot Award for Excellence in translation rights sales. After there were redundancies at DC, she worked freelance for digital comics platforms, with Argentinian agents working with Archie Comics and more, before getting a job with an eye care company Ethis Communications. While also working as a personal assistant to Alex Skolnick, lead guitarist for Trans Siberian Orchestra, Testament and The Alex Skolnick Jazz Trio. Francine Grillo had been battling with cancer for some time, and was 72 when she died. Comic book industry colleagues have been sharing their memories.

Mike Carlin: This just sux, Sue… everyone loved her… and no matter how far apart we were all together here on Facebook.
Glad she felt the love… especially these last few years.

Scott Dunbier: "I am so sorry for your loss, Sue. I haven't seen Francine in a very long time, I now live on the West Coast, but we kept up on messenger for years (I've been crying going back over them). She was such a wonderful and positive person. And she loved music. I loved her. Loved her Christmas postcards. Rest in peace, sweetie"

Michael Wright "All of us who worked with Francine loved her very much. I'm heartbroken. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Sue."

Brad Brooks "I am so, so sorry for your loss. Francine was a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Sue x"

Simon Furman: "So, so sad. We (happily) had a chance to spend some quality time with Fran on our last visit to NYC in Aug/Sept. She was still the force of nature I remember so fondly. RIP Fran – give 'em what for in the hereafter! Simon & Anna"

Pat Brousseau: "R.I.P., Francine Grillo. We met a long time ago when we were both on staff at Marvel Comics and then we crossed paths again at DC Comics. Your honesty, strength and sense of humor will be greatly missed. :("

Jason Liebig: "Oh no… had so many laughs with her. She was quite the character. I mean, she just exuded character from her pores. Damn… I worked with Franncine during my brief tenure at DC Comics in the 1990s. She didn't take crap and was a Brooklyn delight. She also let me periodically raid her international edition licensed comics stash (she was in charge of the program). Her voice was unmistakable. RIP"

Jimmy Palmiotti: "This is just the worst news. Francine was just so much fun to be around, a positive force at DC Comics, and one of those people who had the magic where everyone was comfortable around her. Rest in Peace you beautiful spirit."

Francine's final post to social media was four dayts befiore she passed, asking one of the most important questions of the day, "A good creative designer MUST create an easier seat belt design…. it's been What? 100 years? More?", elborating that no one has done anything about the middle back seat situation. I mean… she was absolutely right.

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