Eugene J. Gene Grande O.F.S., 84, of Wooster died Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Wooster Community Hospital.
He was born March 12, 1935 in Wooster to John P. and Antoinette Massaro Grande. On August 10, 1968, he married Barbara A. Miller. She preceded him in death in 2005.
Gene had worked in sales and had been the owner of Grande Honeytown Valley Veal. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served his country in the U.S. Army during Korea.
He was on the Board of Directors of Mission Possible A to Z America to Zambia, a delegate to President Carter, a founding member and co-coordinator for Gabriel Project, a member of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Francis Cabrini Fraternity, active in the Prison Ministry at Richland Correctional Institution. He was also active in Right to Life Ministry, served on the Board of Elections and was chairman of the Democratic Party.
He is survived by his children Lisa (David) Todaro, George P. (Sherri) Grande and Francis Grande all of Wooster, John (Carol) Grande of Medina and Mark (Bella) Grande of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren Katherine Merrill, Stephen John, Michael, Dr. Rachael and Thomas Todaro, Lesley, Antoinette, Emily, Eric, Genevieve and Vincent Eugene Grande; 8 great-grandchildren and sisters Patricia Frontz of Wooster, Colletta Baldridge of Lafayette, LA, Diane Martens of Celina, Adrienne Withrow, Marilyn Raby and Rachel Conrad all of Wooster and his special friend Joanne France and her family of Wooster.
Along with his wife, Gene was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son George David and siblings Frank, George and John Grande, Philomena Wright, Jeanine Wilson and Loretta Harsh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Rev. Stephan Moran as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. A Franciscan wake will be held on Monday at 9:30 AM at the church.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 2:00-6:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Contributions may be directed to the Gabriel Project, c/o St. Mary Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Gabriel Project, c/o St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691
Service
Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with a Franciscan wake at 9:30 a.m, at the church
Visitation
Sunday, April 14, 2019 from 2-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home
We are very saddened to hear of Eugene’s passing. We recall good times and express our deepest condolences
to Frank, Mark and the Grande family. Eugene was a wonderfully warm person and we will miss him, as will many members of the Wooster community.
We have many fond memories of Eugene, Barbara and the loving Grande family. Although shocked to learn of his passing, we know that he is reunited with his loved ones where there is no pain or sorrow. We are praying for comfort for the family.
Eugene , a wonderful fellow and cousin to all in my family. His intelligence, kindness and humor was always welcome. He will be missed by us all. We extend our condolences to his siblings, children and their children.
We are so very sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. He was a caring loving person. His Catholic religion meant the world to him. We are sure he is through the gates of heaven with a hugh smile on his face. We love and miss you Eugene.
I am saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Eugene and extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
My deepest sympathies to all the Grande family for the loss of a truly wonderful man. It’s sad to lose such a dear old friend; he will be missed.
So sorry to hear about Eugene passing will keep the Grande family in are prayers.
Our deep sympathy to the entire family on the passing of a great man. Eugene was a man of great intelligence, compassion and friendship. The community is a better place because of him.
So sorry to hear about Eugene passing the Grande family we be in are prayers.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of your dad. Always a pleasant and warm greeting from him for as long as I can remember!
He also was a big influence and a reminder to vote! ❤️
Very sorry to learn of Eugene”s passing. Prayers for the family.
I was very sad to hear the news of Eugene’s passing. Some of my best memories of my childhood were when Barbara and Eugene would come and stay with us in Tennessee. I remember George and John keeping us entertained with backyard boxing matches which eventually turned into backyard brawls!! I still hope George has the arrowhead he found in our tobacco patch. Then later I have many memories of Frank and Mark having fun in Tennessee! Eugene always kept everyone entertained with hilarious stories! I’ll never forget our trip to Wooster in 1979 or 1980…Barbara and Eugene were terrific hosts, and I remember they took us around town introducing us to friends and family…(maybe he wanted em to hear our TN accents, LOL!!) My condolences to the Grande family during your time of grief!!
Sincerely,
Phillip Keller
Rest in peace, Eugene. My prayers go with you and all of your family. Thank you for being active in the life of St. Mary’s. I will always treasure your presence as a part of my first parish assignment as a priest. Keep smiling in heaven and pray for us!
Gene was a gentle, kind and compassionate Christian brother who also just happened to be a customer who bought vegetables from me-especially Swiss chard that he and his sister put up once a year. I called that dedicated planting of chard the ‘Grande patch.’ I always looked forward to his smile, handshake and hug and any day I got to see Gene was a brighter day. I knew of his strong faith-we spoke of heaven and eternity often. I’ll miss this dear friend but am comforted as I know the family is, knowing he is in the presence of his Saviour.
I was shocked to learn of Gene’s passing. My condolences to the family. Gene was a dear Christian friend and brother in the Lord. He was also an occasional buyer of veggies from my market stand and direct out of the garden. I had a special ‘Grande patch’ of swiss chard that he and his sister bought and processed each year. Any day I saw Gene was a better day due to his kindness, gentleness, hugs and a warm handshake while offering ‘blessings!” He is dearly missed but I and I know the family is comforted by his strong Christian faith. We spoke often of heaven and eternity. Today he is in the presence of our Savious whom he loved so much!
I am so to hear about Great uncle Eugene. He was the most loving,caring,and gentle man. He loved everyone. He will really be missed. We love you Uncle Eugene.
Eugene had the the proven ability to bring people together even when they staunchly opposed each others views.
You will be missed.