Ralph Joseph Grande of Naples, FL and Osterville, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully at his home in Naples on April 4th surrounded by family. Born March 1, 1934, in the historic North End of Boston, his journey through life was marked by devotion to his family, a remarkable career, worldwide travel, a unique sense of humor, unimaginable strength, loyalty, and resilient spirit.

Ralph grew up in Hyde Park enjoying a traditional family upbringing fond of the many memories shared with his siblings especially the classic Italian Sunday family dinners. In keeping with the Grande family tradition, he was initiated into Local 4 International Union of Operating Engineers in 1952 while attending Wentworth Institute of Technology. Ralph went on to serve in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany.

Teamwork was the hallmark of his marriage with Kathryn C. Grande (Noonan), his wife of 60 years, collaboratively making all decisions including the 1976 choice to begin his international career with Blount Brothers Construction Company eventually moving on to Bechtel. His career took Ralph and his family overseas including stints in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Batam, Indonesia; and Singapore where he shared his expertise and leadership across the globe. Ralph returned to the U.S. in 2003 where he continued to work internationally, traveling globally until he retired at the young age of 84, after a 30 year career with Bechtel.

In addition to being the beloved husband of the late Kathryn, Ralph was the son of the late Virginia (Raffaele) and James (Vincenzo) Grande. Father of Michael Grande and his wife Lisa of Atlanta, Stephen Grande and his wife Meg of Milton, Jacqueline Grande Mullen and her husband Christopher of Milton, and the late Caroline Grande. Grandfather of Brian Grande as well as twins Caroline and Kate Mullen. He was predeceased by his brothers, James and Joseph Grande and his sister Virginia Pretorius. Also survived by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Outside of his family and career, Ralph had a passion for working with his hands. He found true joy in working in his yard and enjoying the outdoors. Another of his significant interests was restoring old cars. He took great pride in his 1931 Model A Ford, which he lovingly maintained and drove around the Cape, in parades, and, often seen taking his grandchildren for ice cream. Ralph never slowed down, whether it was starting a new project in the yard or attending a grandchild’s sporting event, he was always in motion. He was larger than life and had the strength and energy of men half his age demonstrating it daily. Most illustrative of this was his heroic and unwavering care for his beloved Kathryn during her protracted battle with illness.

Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Monday April 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Agatha Church Milton, Tuesday morning at 10:30. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ralph J. Grande can be made out to TIMI Study Group, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 (www.timi.org).