Legendary Owner of Auto Palace, Elvidio grande Passes away Peacefully

We are sad to announce that on March 27, 2023, at the age of 91, Elvidio Grande passed away. ​ Elvidio Grande  Plum, passed away peacefully with his family around him at the age of 91 on Monday, March 27, 2023. "Pappy" as he was affectionately called was born 1931 in Lamezia Terme, Italy. He is also survived by his brother, Mario (Mary Grace) of Hilton Head. 
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On January 27,1957, he left his country in search of his dream of prosperity with his new bride, Elvita, and boarded the SS Christoforo Columbo across the pond leaving behind his extended family.

​Only being able to speak his native language, he was quick to find a job at the Ford dealer in Indiana. He was later fired when he bought a Plymouth and drove the car to work. He successfully carried out his mechanic expertise and quickly became the go-to mechanic for exotic cars in Pittsburgh. He was quick to teach his mechanics the knowledge to also be successful.
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Elvidio Grande

​Elvidio owned several foreign car dealerships. Some of which were Grande Auto Imports, Lamborghini of Pittsburgh, and Auto Palace. Throughout his career he imported and legalized many foreign cars to be US approved. He took great pride when he brought his younger brother, Mario, to the US who later became quite successful in the car business. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed cooking, attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix or watching them on TV and reading his car magazines and books. While in business, he looked forward to taking his exotic cars to the annual Pittsburgh International Auto Show.  

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and Bloomfield Italian days were some of his favorite summer events to attend.

Elvidio never forgot his Italian heritage with his family. The Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes and the Epiphany were important traditions in the house. He was a wonderful cook and you could find him every evening in the kitchen making Italian meals and singing. He loved to travel and was the first suitcase packed for family vacations. He made numerous trips back to Italy and would stay a couple months each visit. Pappy enjoyed taking his family back to his country for vacations and exploring many of the cities throughout Italy.

​Friends received, Friday, March 31, 2023 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm at SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES, LTD./Roth Chapel, 7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Road) Penn Hills. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, 11:00 am in St. John the Baptist Church of Holy Family Parish. Interment in Plum Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to National Kidney Foundation.