Joseph L. Grande “Pepa” passed away peacefully at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center of Burlington at the age of 87 on Wednesday night. The son of the late Anthony D. and Constance (Romano) Grande, he was born and raised in Boston’s North End. Joe served in the Army with distinction, during the Korean War. After his wartime service, he was a professional hair dresser with a salon in Cambridge. He later joined the faculty of the Medford Vocational Technical High School where he taught for many years. Joe is fondly remembered by generations of his students as well as generations of student athletes. Joe was active in promoting and supporting athletics at Medford High School. For many years he was involved with North Medford Little League where he coached, served as president and commissioner. He also served on the District All-Star Committee. He was honored by the M-club for his long-term commitment to Medford sports. A good friend and mentor to many, Joe was an ever present personality at local sporting events. Joe was equally devoted to his family, especially the love of his life, Geri. Joe was always involved in the milestone events of the lives of his grandchildren and children. He was never tired of welcoming family and friends to his home and often prepared his famous meals of pasta.
The beloved husband of the late Geraldine “Geri” R. (Amato) Grande who passed away in 2015, he was a devoted father to Daniel L. Grande and his wife Paula of Medford, Candy Grande of Medford and the late Patricia “Patti” Grande. He was a loving grandfather to Camille Fargo and her husband Jeff, Paul Grande and his wife Michelle, Chris Grande and Megan Jones, Michael Grande, Joseph Caserta and the late Joseph L. Grande. He was a loving great-grandfather to Jeffrey, Jared, Jack, and Julia Fargo, Gianna, Noelle, Travis, Anthony, Sadie, and Savanna Grande. Joe also leaves many dear nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Tuesday from 4 – 8 PM and again on Wednesday morning, June 26th at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 AM in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please honor Joe’s memory by making a contribution to Medford High School athletics, c/o the Athletics Director, 489 Winthrop St., Medford, MA 02155.