Ernest A. Grande

Ernest A. Grande, 96, of Bristol CT, passed away peacefully at Bristol Hospital on June 24, 2025. Born in Bristol on October 17, 1928 to the late Attanasio and Santina Grande, he married his beloved wife Joan (Prenetta) Grande on July 27, 1957. They would have celebrated their 68th anniversary this year. They lived and raised their family in Bristol. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan, their three children Dean, Dale ( and his fiancee, Nancy ) and David ( and his wife Christine ); seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Ryan, Jillian (and husband Zac), Gina, Jared, Nathaniel and Jordan (and husband Eric); and seven great grandchildren, Declan, Kenzie, Spencer, Jonathan, Maria, Gianna and Lyla. He was preceded in death by his siblings Nina Tonotti, Lillian Simone and Andrew Grande, and leaves behind his sister Jeanette Eschner and several nieces and nephews. Ernest served honorably in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from January 1951 - December 1952. After his military service he worked many years at the Bristol Post Office before starting his own business - A&E Engraving - with his brother Andrew, that was well-known in Bristol for many years until his retirement. He was an avid lifetime fan of the NY Yankees and a lifelong member of the Italian Social Club in Forestville. He loved to cook for his wife, and loved spending as much time as possible with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in his little garden every summer. Calling hours will be held on Monday July 7, 2025 from 4 PM until 7 PM at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 9AM from O'Brien Funeral Home to St. Matthew Church, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM, followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol for the burial with military honors. Special thanks to Hartford Hospital, Bristol Home Care and Hospice, and Ingraham Manor for the special care and comfort in Ernest's final weeks and days. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit Ernest's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com