Elvidio Grande Obituary, Elvidio Grande Has Passed Away – Death Cause
Elvidio Grande Obituary, Death – Elvidio Grande, of Plum, passed away peacefully with his family around him at the age of 91 Monday, March 27, 2023. Pappy, as he was lovingly known, was born in the year 1931 in the Italian city of Lamezia Terme. He is survived by his daughters, Antonetta “Toni” (Joe) Giunta and Lisa (Jeff) Bono, of Plum; and son-in-law, Frank DiPlacido, of Pittsburgh. He was the loving and proud grandfather of Amanda (Greg) Sabo, Alexandra (Cory, Fianc) Bono, Angelo Giunta and Nicole Giunta; great-grandfather to Logan Sabo.
He is also survived by his brother, Mario (Mary Grace), of Hilton Head, S.C.; sister, Casilda, and brother, Frank (Mana), both in Lamezia Terme, Italy; and several nieces and nephews. Elvidio was preceded in death by his wife, Elvita (Gallo); daughter, Marianne DiPlacido, of Pittsburgh; parents, Antonio and Maria (Cimino) Grande; and brother, Pasquale, of Lamezia Terme, Italy. On Jan. 27, 1957, he left his country in search of his dream of prosperity with his new bride, Elvita, and boarded the SS Christoforo Columbo across the pond, leaving behind his extended family.
Only being able to speak his native language, he was quick to find a job at the Ford dealer in Indiana. He was later fired when he bought a Plymouth and drove the car to work. He successfully carried out his mechanic expertise and quickly became the go-to mechanic for exotic cars in Pittsburgh. He was quick to teach his mechanics the knowledge to also be successful. Elvidio owned several foreign car dealerships, some of which were Grande Auto Imports, Lamborghini of Pittsburgh and Auto Palace. Throughout his career, he imported and legalized many foreign cars to be U.S. approved. He took great pride when he brought his younger brother, Mario, to the U.S., who later became quite successful in the car business.
He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed cooking, attending the Formula 1 Gran Prix or watching them on TV and reading his car magazines and books. While in business, he looked forward to taking his exotic cars to the annual Pittsburgh car show. The Vintage Gran Prix and Bloomfield Italian days were some of his favorite summer events to attend. Elvidio never forgot his Italian heritage with his family. The Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes and the Epiphany were important traditions in the house
