Alfred F. Grande Jr.

On Thursday, March 23, Lt. Colonel (Army Ret.) Alfred F. Grande, Jr. completed his last mission on this earth and entered into the glory of Heaven. Born June 21, 1936 in Dover, NJ, "Al" attended Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ and graduated as a Distinguished Military Student/ROTC from Bucknell University in 1958. He was commissioned into the US Army and served with SHAPE in Paris, France, a variety of posts in the US and two tours in Vietnam. Awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit, he finished his career as a member of the Military Police and continued to be active with them as a retiree.

Following his retirement from the military, Al founded ASAP Printing and Mailing, Co. Inc. and located it in a long neglected part of Alexandria. He immediately set out to become active in the community-joining the Chamber of Commerce, working with law enforcement to provide a safe environment and encouraging other small businesses to locate to the area. He often printed business cards and letterheads at no charge to help new start ups and provided free resume printing for the unemployed.

In 1996, Al was honored by his peers in Alexandria when he was nominated-and selected-to carry the Olympic Torch around the circle at Mount Vernon Estate. It was his 60th birthday. In 2012, Al was honored once again, named "A Living Legend of Alexandria" and recognized at a banquet held in the city. Among other service as a member of the Alexandria Police Foundation, he worked to raise funds for the care of retired police dogs. Even in post-retirement, Al continued to serve. At Greenspring Retirement Community, he chaired the Marketing Committee and served on the Home Health Committee among other activities.

He will forever be missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Claire Grande, his children, Donna Grande Spann (Greg) and Dean Grande (Michelle) along with his sister, Kim Rusinow. His legacy includes deep and loving relationships with his 9 grandchildren (and spouses), Helen Spann Hogan (Tyler), Linzy (Spann) Westman (Dan), Cassidy (Spann) Montalvo (Sam), Sheila (Spann) Avellino (Arel), Shannon Spann, Star Spann, Taylor Grande, Nathan Grande and Ashley Grande. Gratefully, he had the opportunity to know his great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Avalon, Sierra and Aiden Hogan, and hold the hand of his newest great-grandson, Peyton Westman. To his family and friends, he leaves a legacy of service-teaching all to "leave a place better than you found it."

The end of Al Grande's journey on this earth was executed in the same manner in which he lived. He was in charge. When he received the prognosis in the hospital, his mission became finishing well. And that he did. In six days under hospice care at home, he communicated as best he could his deep love for each of his family members and many friends who visited, called, emailed and Facebook messaged. He left this earth knowing that he was loved and respected.

For those of us temporarily left behind, there is a new journey. We must now choose to continue his legacy by living well, loving much and moving forward. To do any less would be to dishonor his memory. Al entered Heaven with a humble heart, with the love and respect of all who knew him and a legacy that continues to impact this earthly plane. A journey has ended. A new journey begins.

Memorial Service will be at Greenspring Chapel, 7420 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 at 10 am, Wednesday, April 12, 2017. There will be a reception following in Hunter's Crossing. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund, c/o Greenspring Philanthropy, 7410 Spring Village Dr., Springfield, VA 22150.

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA.