When people talk about the Grande family today, they often think of music, fame, and huge success. But long before Ariana Grande became a global star, there was a warm, gentle man who shaped the heart of the family. His name was Frank Grande, and to those who loved him, he was “Grandpa Grande,” a symbol of love, strength, and old-world charm.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Anthony Grande |
| Nickname | Grandpa Grande |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1923 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | July 22, 2014 |
| Age at Death | 90 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American (Sicilian & Abruzzese roots) |
| Parents | Antonio Grande (father), Philomena Lavenditto (mother) |
| Siblings | Jenna and two others (names not documented) |
| Spouse | Marjorie “Nonna” Grande (m. 1946–2014) |
| Children | Joan Grande and Judy Grande (deceased) |
| Grandchildren | Ariana Grande, Frankie Grande, Lani Grande |
| Profession | WWII U.S. Army veteran; later a salesman clerk |
| Known For | His deep bond with Ariana Grande; family legacy; military service |
| Residence | Boca Raton, Florida |
| Cause of Death | Long battle with cancer |
| Legacy | Malawi school built in his name; influence on Ariana’s music and life |
Early Life of Frank Grande
Frank Grande was born on October 23, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a busy and tight Italian-American home, surrounded by family traditions, good food, and strong values. His parents, Antonio Grande and Philomena Lavenditto, raised him with respect, discipline, and pride in his heritage.
Life in Brooklyn during that time was simple but not always easy. Families worked hard, shared what they had, and stayed close. Children played in the streets, neighbors knew one another, and everyone helped each other when things got tough. This environment shaped who Frank Grande became — a kind man with a strong heart and a love for family.
One sweet detail from his early life is how he met the girl who would later become his wife. Her name was Marjorie, but everyone called her “Nonna.” They lived in the same neighborhood and knew each other since childhood. Imagine two kids growing up side by side, not knowing that one day they would share a long life together. It feels like something from a movie, doesn’t it?
A Childhood Love That Turned Into a Lifetime
As Frank Grande and Marjorie grew older, their friendship turned into something more. They began to date once they reached their teenage years. Their love was simple, steady, and honest — the kind of love many people dream about today.
But life took a serious turn when Frank Grande was called to serve in World War II in 1943. Like many young men at the time, he had to leave home, leave the girl he loved, and join the U.S. Army. It must have been scary, but also a moment of honor. Serving his country became a big part of who he was.
When he returned from the war, he did something beautiful. He married Marjorie on September 21, 1946. They stayed married for 67 years — a lifetime of love, respect, and deep connection. Their story later became part of Ariana Grande’s music, and even played in her song “Daydreamin’,” where her grandparents shared how they fell in love. Many fans still call it one of the sweetest moments in her whole career.
Building a Family and a Quiet Life
After the war, Frank Grande worked hard to build a stable life. Records from 1950 show that he worked as a salesman clerk in New York. It was a simple job, but he did it with pride. What mattered most to him was not money or titles — it was family.
He and Marjorie had two daughters, Joan and Judy. Joan later became the mother of Ariana and Frankie, and also the CEO of the family business. Judy, sadly, passed away, but she always remained part of the family’s story.
As years passed, the family moved to Florida and settled in Boca Raton. This became the heart of the Grande home. Holidays, birthdays, dinners, and big family moments often happened there. If you ever wondered where Ariana gets her warm, loving nature, a lot of it comes from this family environment shaped by Frank Grande.
Ariana Grande’s Special Bond With Her Grandpa
Among all his grandchildren, Frank Grande shared an especially close bond with Ariana. She often posted pictures of him, kissed him on the cheek, and spoke about him with great love. He had a nickname for her that stayed with her forever. He called her bellissima, which means “very beautiful” in Italian. It was not just a sweet name — it was a feeling, a blessing, a reminder of love.
Ariana loved this so much that she even tattooed the word bellissima on her neck. It became a part of her identity, a daily reminder of her grandpa’s love.
A Man Who Loved His Family Deeply
Even though Frank Grande lived a quiet and simple life, he had a very big heart. He supported his children and grandchildren in everything they did.
In 2014, when he became very ill, Ariana canceled shows so she could be with him. She wanted to sit by his side, hold his hand, and make sure he felt loved. It shows how much he meant to her.
Fans also remember the moment on the reality show Big Brother when Frankie Grande learned about their grandfather’s passing. It was emotional and heartfelt. Ariana later said she cried watching it.
These moments made the world understand how special Frank Grande truly was.
The Final Years of Frank Grande
As the years went by, Frank Grande continued to be the heart of his family. He enjoyed quiet days in Boca Raton, simple moments with his wife, and many warm visits from his children and grandchildren. Even as he grew older, he stayed cheerful, gentle, and full of love. He liked telling old stories, sharing memories from Brooklyn, and reminding his family about the importance of kindness.
But life changed when he became sick. He had been fighting cancer for a long time, and in 2014, his health became worse. Still, Frank Grande stayed strong. He smiled when Ariana visited. He held hands with his family, He stayed brave even when the days were hard. His family gathered around him, making sure he felt loved and safe.
His Passing and How the World Reacted
On July 22, 2014, Frank Grande passed away at the age of 90. It was a sad day for the Grande family. It was also a sad day for fans around the world who knew how much he meant to Ariana and Frankie.
Ariana shared the news online with a very emotional message. She spoke about how much she loved him, how her heart felt broken, and how she was grateful for the moments they shared. She also posted old photos of him — young, handsome, smiling — and it touched many people. Fans from everywhere sent love and support. They could feel her pain because the bond between Ariana and Frank Grande was so real and so special.
There was also a moment on the TV show Big Brother, where Frankie Grande was competing. He received a letter from the family telling him the sad news. Fans watched him cry, talk about his grandfather, and share beautiful memories. It was emotional, but it also showed how deeply Frank Grande was loved by all of them.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even though Frank Grande is no longer here, his influence continues in many beautiful ways. Frank love for his family, his strength during hard times, and his warm nature are still part of the Grande family today. His values live in his daughter Joan. His kindness lives in Frankie, His warmth lives in Ariana.
One of the most powerful ways his legacy lives on is through a school built in Malawi. After appearing on Big Brother, Frankie Grande used part of his prize money — along with more donations — to build a school in his grandfather’s name. Imagine that for a moment. A man from Brooklyn, born in 1923, now has a school in Africa helping children learn, grow, and dream. That is the kind of love that never fades.
It shows that Frank Grande did not just shape his family. He touched people far beyond it. His spirit still encourages others to give, to help, and to care.
How He Lives Through Ariana’s Music
If you listen to Ariana’s songs, you will notice pieces of Frank Grande living in them. Her song “My Everything” is a direct tribute to him. When she sings it, fans hear her love, her loss, and her memories. It feels honest and soft, like a message from her heart to his.
At the end of her song “Daydreamin’,” you can hear a sweet audio clip of Frank Grande and Nonna talking about how they fell in love. It is natural, simple, and very touching. It feels like you are listening to two people share a story from a time when life was slower and love was pure.
Ariana also said that she felt her grandfather’s “sign” while working on her album Sweetener. When she recorded the intro “Raindrops (An Angel Cried),” she believed it was his way of telling her the album was complete. She felt guided. She felt close to him again.
This shows how much he shaped her not only as a person, but also as an artist.
Nonna’s Passing and Their Reunion in Rest
In June 2025, Marjorie “Nonna” Grande passed away at the age of 99. She and Frank Grande had shared 67 years of marriage — a full lifetime of memories, love, and family. After her passing, she was laid to rest beside him.
Many fans said it felt like their love story came full circle. Two people who met as children, grew up together, built a family, and spent nearly seven decades side by side were together again. It is a reminder that real love does not disappear. It stays alive in stories, in memories, and in the hearts of the people they touched.
Final Thoughts on the Life of Frank Grande
The story of Frank Grande reminds us that greatness does not always come from fame, money, or titles. Sometimes, true greatness comes from love, loyalty, and the gentle way someone cares for the people around them.
He was a soldier, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a guide. He lived through war, raised a loving family, and left behind a legacy that still shines today. His life shows that even the simplest moments — a warm hug, a soft nickname, a shared story — can mean the world to someone.
That is why his name still lives on, That is why Ariana still honors him. That is why fans still talk about him. And that is why Frank Grande will always be remembered as the heart of the Grande family.
FAQs
1. Who was Frank Grande?
Frank Grande was a beloved family patriarch, a World War II veteran, and the grandfather of Ariana and Frankie Grande. He was known for his kindness, strength, and deep love for his family.
2. What was Frank Grande’s age when he died?
He passed away on July 22, 2014, at the age of 90.
3. What did Frank Grande do for a living?
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and later worked as a salesman clerk in New York before moving to Florida.
4. Who were Frank Grande’s parents?
His parents were Antonio Grande and Philomena Lavenditto, both from an Italian-American background.
5. How was Frank Grande related to Ariana Grande?
He was Ariana’s maternal grandfather. They shared a very close bond, and Ariana often spoke about the love and support he gave her.
6. Did Frank Grande influence Ariana Grande’s music?
Yes. Ariana wrote “My Everything” for him, used his voice in “Daydreamin’,” and said he gave her a “sign” that her album Sweetener was complete.
7. What was Frank Grande’s relationship with his wife, Nonna?
Frank and Marjorie “Nonna” Grande were childhood friends who later married in 1946. They shared 67 years of marriage and were laid to rest together.
8. Is there a memorial or tribute dedicated to Frank Grande?
Yes. A school in Malawi was built in his honor by Frankie Grande in 2015, and Ariana continues to honor his memory through her music and personal tributes.
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