It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Antonio (Toni) Claudio Grande, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend on June 27, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario.
Toni was born on December 29, 1960 in Montreal, Quebec to Guiseppe and Rita Pivetta Grande. He was predeceased by his father, Guiseppe Grande.
Toni was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces serving in the Royal Canadian Regiment and Air Force from 1981-1994. Upon retirement from the military, Toni studied at the Hotel Culinaire de Strasbourg to become a well known chef in Ottawa for the past 30 years. He was a member of the Culinary Federation of Canada and Vice Argentier with the Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Toni is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Yolande Jones-Grande, his mother-in-law Glenda Duncan, his son Tyrone Grande and his wife Amalia Grande and their daughter Azélea, his daughter Tiea Rudyk and her husband Zachary Joseph Rudyk and their son Joseph Houser Rudyk, his sisters Rosanna Grande and her sons Matthew and David Gordon and Sabrina Grande and her daughter Alessia Ferraresi.
Toni was a generous soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a passionate chef who was always eager to share his love of food with others.Toni will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation in Toni’s memory. The family would like to thank the Pacemaker Clinic and Dr. Chih for their care and compassion.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Digital Guestbook
Bev MacKillop
Yolande Jones-Grande
To my husband,the love of my life. For 23yrs you u were my rock,my biggest cheerleader,my strength when I second guessed myself. I learned so much from you,your experiences were my experiences. I have so many more friends/family now because of you. I also got a fondness for the designer bags you would gift/surprise me with.? I will love you for the rest of my life hoping to live up to the example you set out of your life,love of life and others. My dear I miss you so much but rest easy now,your big heart is fixed,no pain no worries. I know you are up there cooking and having many brunches and dinners as usual.
Rachel O’Byrne
Toni was one of my dearest friends, the love my family has for Toni and Yolande is beyond words. He will be greatly missed by all! Rest in peace my friend!
Kevin R
Yolande,
You have not been far from my thoughts since I heard... Rest assured that you're not alone - you have the love and support of far more people than you appreciate.
Kevin
Faye Blackwood
I am sorry to learn of the passing of your husband Toni. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Chef Ric Watson
Chef Toni will be missed, he was an amazing man who gave so much to us at the Ottawa Mission. Tony was a volunteer instructor for our Food Services Training program where he taught and mentored troubled individuals, helping them to change their lives for the better.
Rest in piece my good friend
Sandra MacInnis
So very sorry to hear this news. Toni was a kind and generous soul. RIP
Afiya Kassim
Praying for the strength for the family during this difficult time. Toni was always ready to lend a hand and host elaborate brunches on the patio. I will always remember being fed well and the amazing cheesecakes. You are missed. May you rest in peace.
Chef Scott Lucas
I met Antonio when we were consulting on the Infinity Convention Centre kitchen layout. We became friends right away. Antonio was always willing to help me out, come by for a beer with his Expos hat and sunglasses and always with a laugh. I will miss you my friend. Love ya.
Nandini Sarkar
Chef Tony will be greatly missed. He was both a mentor and a friend to me, always challenging me to do better. His passion for food will always be an inspiration. Tony’s generosity and humour was always a ray of light and motivation…we were all so lucky to have known him.
Yolande, his love for you was simply a thing of beauty. My thoughts & prayers are with you today.
With profound sadness I will remember Toni for his amazing sense of humour, kindness, and his wonderful food. He loved his friends but his love for Yolande was second to none. My heart is broken for you Yolande❤️?