Charles James Grano

Our beloved father, grandfather, husband, son, and friend Charles James Grano
passed away from cancer on July 19, 2022, at his home in Big Bear, California.
Chuck, as everyone called him, was born on June 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois as
the proud son of Angelo and Ann Grano. His family moved to South Haven,
Michigan where he spent most of his childhood growing up along the shores of
Lake Michigan. His family moved to Colorado while he was still in high school, and
it was when he was 17 that he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
Chuck served his country as a crew chief and gunner aboard a Sikorsky UH-34
helicopter in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968 earning numerous awards and
decorations for his service during combat. Upon returning from Vietnam in 1968,
he met the love of his life Renee in Orange County, California. They were married
on August 2, 1969, and celebrated over 42 years of marriage before she passed
away in 2012.
Chuck joined the Santa Ana Police Department in 1971 and served his community
as a law enforcement officer for 28 years before retiring in 1999. As a police officer, he enjoyed investigating crimes and was a detective for the last 22 years
of his long career.
Chuck and Renee decided to raise a family in Orange County, and they were
blessed with 2 children, Paul and Krista. While he had many interests in his life,
none were more important than providing for and spending time with his family.
While Chuck had many interests in life including telling stories of his real-life
experiences, fishing, and traveling, none (other than family) were as important to
him as tinkering in his garage and workshop. He enjoyed fixing anything and
everything and had a passion for working with his hands whether it was restoring
his 1929 Model A, woodworking, framing, automotive repair, plumbing, electrical,
landscaping, and many other projects.
In 2000, Chuck and Renee decided to move to the peace and tranquility of Big
Bear, California. They spent the first few years in Big Bear lovingly remodeling the
home they planned to live in during their golden years. Chuck found another

calling in life as the grandfather to 4 beautiful granddaughters whom he cherished
and adored. They all became the love of his life during his later years.
Chuck was a friend and neighbor to all who were fortunate to know him. Never
one to boast, he was always there for his family and friends whether it was
watching grandkids, chauffeuring family and friends to appointments, fixing
things, giving advice, or providing companionship. He was adored and loved by
many for his heart of gold.
Although his passing will leave a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him, he
is finally reunited with his wife Renee.
He was predeceased in death by his wife Renee, parents Angelo and Ann Grano,
stepmother Doris, and stepsister Sally. He is survived by his son Paul and his wife
Laurie and their daughter Keira, his daughter Krista and her husband Brent
McAlee and their daughters Brynn, Piper, and Reese, brothers Marty, Skip, and
Tom, sister Angie, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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