1956-2026
Erico "Eric" Silvester Grandi II, 69, of Indian Lake, Ohio, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:54 pm at the OSU Ross Heart Hospital after several weeks of health challenges.
Eric was born on September 6, 1956, in Bellefontaine, Ohio to the late Leroy Thurston "Bud" Grandi and Nancy (Stevenson) Grandi. He was also preceded in death by a son, Zachary "Zack" Thurston Tyler Grandi. He is survived by his life partner, Kimberlee "Kim" Lynn Plikerd, who he married in Russells Point, Ohio on March 21, 1988, and they shared a total of nearly 43 years together. Eric is also survived by a son, Zane Milton Michael Grandi of Russells Point, a sister Lisa (Jeff) McCullough of Huntsville, Ohio, a brother Kirt (Michelle) Grandi of Lewistown, Ohio, and was a beloved uncle to Andy (Crystal) Nelson, Erin (Chris) Stafford, Tyler (Jenn) McCullough, Korey (Sarah Lewis) Grandi, Devin Grandi, and Andrew Moran. Eric was a proud and doting grandpa to his only grandchild, Zoey LeVon Grandi, who lit up his world, and she also survives. He also leaves behind his friend, co-worker, and right-hand man of 30+ years Robert "Jake" Wallace of Lakeview, Ohio, and his faithful canine companion, his beloved German Shepherd, Olga Lou.
Eric was a 1974 graduate of Indian Lake High School where he left many lasting memories. He also attended the OSU/Lima Technical College campus in Lima, Ohio. In his youth, he copiloted the Mark Twain, a paddle wheeler boat and popular tourist attraction, on Indian Lake. He began his construction career hanging drywall, later working for Cooper Excavating, Phil Cooper Construction, and Jack Brown Construction, with a brief stint at Crucible Steel in Cleveland, Ohio before founding his own company, Eric Grandi Construction, in Russells Point in 1982. His craftsmanship and the pride he took in it will live on in countless homes and businesses in the area. A true historian of the Indian Lake region, Eric could recount what life was like here in the 1960s with the kind of detail only someone who lived it could offer.
Eric's passions were as wide-ranging as they were wholehearted. A longtime member of the Indian Lake Fish and Game, he built an impressive collection of specialized firearms and ammunition. He poured the same enthusiasm into restoring vintage vehicles - a Chevy Camero, a couple of Jeeps, but his favorite was his yellow 1969 Ford Fairlane which he proudly showcased at several car shows. His next project was to be his 1969 Mach I Mustang. In his younger adult years, he was an avid scuba diver, water skier, snow skier, RC airplane builder and flyer, golfer, and motorcycle rider. He loved riding his 1987 Harley Davidson Softail Custom, especially with all the 'Domingi Bros.' who all had their own nicknames - his was "Rico", and sometimes "Splat" (don't ask!). He LOVED music - specifically classic and 'yacht' rock, country rock, and contemporary blues and jazz fusion - and was always up for a concert. Eric was also a self-taught chef and enthusiastic foodie, known for grilling and smoking creations that he would share on social media just to make everyone hungry. However, being a landlocked seafarer deep in his heart and soul, the times he spent in the Florida Keys deep sea fishing from his "Florida Boat" - a Wellcraft center-console named 'Activator' - brought him the ultimate peace and happiness, especially when shared with his family and friends. And for Eric, many of his friends were family.
Above all, Eric will be remembered for his sharp wit, his sarcasm delivered with a grin, and his unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed him - even when he probably shouldn't have. He had a gift for leaving people smiling, whether he was teasing, storytelling, or offering a hand in a tough moment. He loved deeply, lived fully, and cherished every laugh. Eric embraced life with a spirit that was unmistakably his own. And in true Eric fashion, we can't say goodbye without his signature line: “Glad you got to see me!"
There will be no services at this time.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
