Italo A. Grande, age 84, of Little Falls, retired United States Marine Corps., passed away after an extended illness early Monday morning, March 7, 2005. His passing occurred in Faxton/St.Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford. He was born on May 24, 1920 in Herkimer, son of the late Joseph and Josephine (DePalo) Grande and was educated in Herkimer schools. On June 21, 1947, he was joined in marriage with the former Caroline Braccini at St. Joseph's Church, Little Falls with whom he shared a union of 57 years. Italo and Caroline loved each other, enjoyed each others company, and created a wonderful life together. A veteran of the Korean War and World War II, he served with the United States Marine Corps beginning active service on February 4, 1942 and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1945. On February 12, 1948, he re-enlisted with the Marine Corps and received a second honorable discharge on September 20, 1951. In recognition of his courageous and loyal service, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal with one gold star, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 bronze star and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. Mr. Grande was an employee of the former Library Bureau, Herkimer where he served as a finisher. He retired in 1985 after more than 20 years of dedicated and loyal service. Italo was motivated by a personal ethic that emphasized hard work, honest effort and conscientious service. A man whose faith ran deep and strong he was a faithful parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls and was known to many as being active with the St. Joseph's Church festivals being affectionately known as the "chairman." Italo had a huge heart and natural charisma. As a man who was devoted to his family, he was active in his family life and supportive of his children and grandchildren's interests and ventures. A true family man, he always fulfilled his responsibilities to his loved ones with pride and dedication. Among the pleasures of his life, Italo always enjoyed taking a walk in Little Falls and enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends over a game of bocce. Survivors include his loving wife ,Caroline, of Little Falls; a beloved son and daughter in law: Joseph Grande and Pamela of Little Falls; a sister: Mary Cumm of Herkimer; a sister in law; Claudine Grande of Herkimer; a brother in law: Phil Laubenstein and wife Joan of Little Falls, his cherished grandchildren: Jeffrey Grande and wife Kelly of Birmingham, AL, Alicia Grande of Yorktown, VA, Virginia and Scott Reed of Mohawk and Stephanie Grande of Poland; his adored great grandchildren: Connor Grande of Birmingham, AL and Brian Reed of Mohawk; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by a son, John Grande in 2000, a sister Emily Lorenzoni and by two brothers: Joseph and Dominick Grande. The family invites relatives and friends to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Tuesday (today), March 8, 2005 from 5-8 p.m. Italo's funeral will commence at 8:15 am on Wednesday morning, March 9, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered by Sister Marilyn Hayes, CSJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9 am from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls with the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest and full military honors will be accorded by members of the United States Marine Corps. Kindly consider contributions in his memory to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Cancer Society; donations may be at the Enea Family Funeral Home and envelopes are also available. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.