Jul 24, 2023

Michael A. Grande, 76, of Washington, passed away peacefully Friday, July 21, 2023, following a longtime battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born February 1, 1947, in Bacoli, Italy, a son of the late Maria and Gaetano Grande.

Mr. Grande served with the Italian Military from 1965 until 1972.

Michael came to America to start a new life in 1972. He was determined to create a better life for himself and one day, his family. In 1976, he had his first child, Gaetano “Tom” Grande and soon after, the family moved from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Washington, where he had two additional children, Maria and Michele Grande.

Following many years of perseverance, he opened Grande Italian Restaurant in McMurray. The restaurant was his pride and joy. It was his job and his hobby. His legacy is still standing today, over 30 years later.

Michael was a pillar to the Washington community. He was loved, adored and honored by those who knew him. Michael was very family oriented. He followed his children’s activities and traveled to Italy to visit his family on a yearly basis.

Michael was a member of the Italian American Society. He enjoyed making homemade wine and he owned horses that raced at the Meadows.

Anyone who knew Michael knew that he was the most loving father his children could ask for. Surviving are a son, Gaetano “Tom” Grande and his wife, Shannon of Canonsburg; two daughters, Maria Grande of Carnegie, and Michele Grande of Canonsburg; a granddaughter, Fern Grande; sister, Amalia Grande (Gennaro) of Bacoli, Italy; a brother, Salvatore Grande of Bacoli, Italy; and three nieces and a nephew.

Michael was predeceased by his parents; and his loving sister, Anna Grande.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where a Blessing Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 26. Entombment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org or 2835 E. Carson Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

Condolences for the family may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.