I just found out Jack passed.  He was an amazing colleague and friend, kind, empathetic and loved by all who knew him. 
You will be missed Jack but your students are better people because you were in their lives. 

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Grande family.
As a friend and colleague, I will always remember my fond memories of Jack and I teaching together at the Daly school in Port Washington. Our friendship extended out to both being Ranger fans at school taking on all those kids who were islander fans during the cup years, to being partners on our Friday afternoon bowling league, but most of all, just good friends.
May god bless you and may you Rest In Peace.


Jack was a wonderful, hands-on teacher who was dedicated to his students.  He believed in experiential learning and was a wonderful mentor and colleague of mine for 20 years in 6th grade at Weber Middle School.   He truly was one of a kind.   Jack was also deeply devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren.   My deepest condolences.  He will be greatly missed.  

Jack was a father figure to me during my childhood. A lot of my childhood memories are with the Grande Family. Jack treated me and loved me like I was one of his own children. And I will forever cherish all of those memories. He was the most caring man, the sweetest soul. Sending all of my love and my deepest condolences to the Grande Family. 
Love you all so much, Meri
Forever the little pumpkin. 

   I will always remember Jack’s smile and enthusiasm.
He was a creative and compassionate educator. Jack was always willing to share his time and ideas with colleagues.
   He touched the future through his family, friends, and most importantly his students.

"When you lose someone you love,
you gain an angel you know"

To the Grande Family...I am so very sorry for your loss. Jack will be missed by every person who's life he touched.  I have so many wonderful memories.  I team-taught with Jack for eight years at Sousa. My special education students quickly became part of Jack's mainstream classroom. Jack made sure that every student was comfortable. He was an incredible teacher who taught "outside the box".Sleepaway trips to Sailors Haven and Taconic  Environmental Center were all carefully orchestrated by Jack. Thanksgiving dinners...prepared in school.. from scratch.. were the highlights of each year. Gingerbread houses carefully planned with Jack's guidance.Halloween parties and Jack's "Great Pumpkin" costume were amazing! Jack frequently  spoke about his family to his classes.  He was so proud of his children. Kathy your support over the years made so many activities possible(shopping for 30 people for a week must have been overwhelming). When a former student of ours was diagnosed with cancer Jack sat at her bedside on many afternoons retelling many of our classroom adventures. Her parents shared with us that ...being in "Jack's class was the best time in her short life."  Heaven surely added an angel❤

To Kathy and The Whole Grande Family, 
Please know how much Jack loved you all.  He was very proud to be a dad and a grandpa.  I enjoyed hearing about you all whenever we had a meeting or passed each other in the long hallways of Weber MS, his home away from home.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn M Rodahan

Sincere condolences to all  the  Grande family.  I taught with John for many years.  One thing that I remember the most is the very high esteem  his students held him in.

As one of Chris’ long-standing friends from Long Island, I knew the Grande family well.  I’m pretty sure I kind of got under Mr Grande’s skin (I didn’t even know his name was John…it was always Mr Grande)…cause I would take food without asking and clearly didn’t have the best manners.  So I always thought of Mr Grande as the strict dad.  Well, a few decades later and I have three little ones… and I am not making this up…but I think to myself often when it comes to parenting, what would Mr Grande do…his kids were polite and did chores (w/o complaining) and had blue collar skills… it was awesome.  

Anyway, RIP Mr Grande… you made a lasting influence on everyone.  

Jack brought joy into the lives of many myself included. He was thirteen years younger than I and tried to convince me to retire from Daly school so he could get tenure. As a first grade teacher my days were busy with school things and often problems, his smile and kind words often came at just the right time to lift me up. We also had a home in Montauk his beloved place and he did stop in to visit bringing once again his delightful personality. I am shocked to learn that he is gone but I know he will not be forgotten.
Fondly remembered,
Doris and Frank Donohue


As I think of our time to together Jack I can only say Thank You my friend . As our friend Tom Walsh said we spent alot of great times around a camp fire cooking something special Our canoe trips together are filled with endless memories Mr Grande the teacher , scout leader, dad and best friend to so many I hope you are resting in front of a camp fire with all those who have passed before you Til we meet ... RIP

Jack and I spent some interesting times around the campfire. Too many stories too many trips to retell all the stories. Time well spent and he will be with me in my heart . My condolences to his family, Kathy, Chris and Brianna. All his grandkids he will live on in their hearts. Rest In Peace Jack

I worked in Jack’s classroom when he came to Daly School.  He was such a pleasure  to work with and always had a smile on his face!  I know he was loved by all the students who were lucky enough to have been in his class.

My sympathies to Kathy and his children.

Jack, you will be missed. Hope that you, Walter and Tom are looking for good camping spots for when the rest of us get up there!


I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Grande on many occasions.  I was Chris's college roommate for a few years, so anytime he would come to Salisbury to visit Chris, he'd always take us out to dinner, fill our refrigerator with food or share some tidbits of wisdom.  He treated Chris's friends like we were part of his family and that probably says the most about him.  One of my favorite memories was at Chris & Kristi's wedding many years ago...he encouraged me to share a few tasty tequila drinks with him and then some amazing laughs afterwards.  All my love to the Grande's during this tough time.

OBITUARY

John M. Grande

October 6, 1947 – September 24, 2021

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes

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