Nicholas J. Grande, Sr.

Nicholas J. Grande, Sr. of Auburn, two days short of his 87^th birthday passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, after a period of declining health.

Nicholas was born June 20^th, 1935, in Worcester, one of four children of Dr. Joseph A. Grande and Helen C. (Byra) Grande. He grew up on Eastern Ave in Worcester and graduated from North High School. Nick then joined the U.S. Army serving his country proudly as a Medic during the Korean War, as well as attended Georgia University during his time in the service. After being discharged from the U.S. Army, Nick joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a military police officer for 4 years. Upon return to Worcester, Nick married the “love of his life” Dolores Ziemba. They then began a 44-year marriage filled with love, family and faith in several Massachusetts communities including Worcester, Rutland, and Spencer, before Dolores left his side suddenly in a car accident in 2003.  

Nicholas is survived by his five children, Pastor Joseph N. Grande and his wife Barbara of Stockton, Missouri, Nicholas J. Grande, Jr. and his fiancé, Jayne Diliberto of Worcester, Mark Grande of Worcester, Robin Ann Gosselin and her husband Albert Gosselin, Jr. of Chesapeake, Virginia, Michelle G. Mitchell and her husband Daniel Mitchell of Douglas; a brother, Robert Grande in Las Vegas, two sisters, Carolyn Shilale of Douglas and Judith Rudzinski of Cherry Valley; 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Nick loved music. As a young man, he formed the “The Grande Brothers Band” playing accordion with his brother, Bob, on guitar. Some of his favorite times were as a member of the Italian American Drum Corp and the P.N.A Drum Corp, winning many competitions and state championships. Nick was also an accomplished keyboard player. His grandchildren have many fond memories of listening to him play in his music room, especially when he played “Hello Dolly” with his beloved Dolly standing in the doorway smiling.

Nick had many hobbies over the course of his life. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He also maintained an impeccable yard and garden that was the envy of many and shared sage gardening advice like putting matches in the soil under your pepper plants. In his later years, he loved going to the movies, out for a nice Italian dinner, and the occasional trip to the casino with his children. He also enjoyed watching television, especially westerns, and most importantly, he always had “that one little spot” for dessert. 

Nick worked over 35 years for the U.S. Government Postal Service as a Payroll Supervisor before retiring. He was also a member of the Disabled Americans Veterans Chapter 4, American Legion Post 201, National Federal Retired Employees, and the Sterling Sportsman Club.

Funeral services and burial in Queen of the Rosary Cemetery Spencer will be held privately. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Vets Inc., 60 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01608. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.