Elio E Grandi

Elio Emil Grandi, 93, passed away Aug. 4 in Springfield, VA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elena Jovacchini Grandi. He is survived by three children, Edward Grandi (Deborah Papier), Eric Grandi (Michelle Grandi), and Eliana Pitt (Jeffrey Pitt); eight grandchildren, Rachel Grandi, (David Budzinski), Pierce Grandi, Alan Pitt (Kelsey Pitt), John Grandi, Jordan Pitt, Clare Grandi, Bryan Pitt, and Ava Grandi; and two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Pitt and Eli Grandi. Dr. Grandi was born in Boston, MA., to Paolo and Elsa Grandi. But he grew up and was educated in Italy, receiving a Doctorate in Letters and Philosophy From the Universita delgli Studi di Padova. He serves in the Italian Army during WW II. After the war, he moved to Washington, D.C., working as an interpreter for U.S. State Department. He spent the remainder of his life in the Washington area, and was a major figure in its Italian-American community. He held leadership positions with the Italian Cultural Society and the Lido Civic Club. He also Founded the Italian Executives of America. He was an auditor for the for the Committees of Italians Abroad - Washington Consular district and a 33rd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite - Roma Lodge. He also taught Italian classes at the Holy Rosary Church. For his work, he was honored by the Italian government with the Star of Solidarity and two knighthoods of the Order of merit of the Republic of Italy, Additionally, he was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Chevy Chase. In addition to working for the government, Dr. Grandi was an entrepreneur, primarily in the field of insurance. He founded and operated two insurance agencies, Grandi Associates and ASSURANCE Incorporated. He also served as Executive Director of the Italian Industries Association, an intermediary for companies and individuals doing business with Italy. Memorial services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Italian Cultural Society of Washington, D.C. Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Falls Church Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA