Ernest "Ernie" George Grandinetti Jr., 83, of Tomball, Texas, passed away November 24th, 2024.  He is survived by his wife, Monica Grandinetti; his siblings Sharon Morzano, John Grandinetti, Jean Grandinetti, and Andrew Grandinetti; his children Julie Rinker Grandinetti, Yvonne Howington, Lorraine Featherston, Danielle Key, Cory Grandinetti, Rachel Strange, Beth Rowan, John Rowan, and Colin Rowan; and dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dorothea.

Ernie was born July 16, 1941, in Oceanside, New York to the late Ernest George Grandinetti Sr. and Dorothea Guerin. His drive and diligent work ethic began at age 5 when he got his first job delivering newspapers.  Ernie later graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in chemical engineering.  He worked with Standard Brands, Nestle, and then Coca-Cola Foods which ultimately resulted in him moving his family down to Houston, Texas.  Soon after arriving in Houston, Ernie began (as side jobs) purchasing, renovating, and renting residential property in the Heights area of Houston and making custom picture frames out of the family garage. Ernie's framing business eventually gave way to his custom sign company, Agency Signs, Inc.  When Agency Signs outgrew the family garage, Ernie moved the business to Tomball and left the corporate world forever.

Ernie's most notable sign contribution to the community was his original design and installation of the "Welcome to Tomball" sign at Four Corners.  In addition to the sign company, Ernie enjoyed real estate projects.  He began purchasing residential homes, renovating them himself, and then maintaining them as rental properties.  After retiring from Agency Signs, Ernie focused his energy on commercial real estate projects that included designing and building properties in the old town area of Tomball.

Faith and family were his compass through life.  He showed his dedication to both through his actions.  He modeled ingenuity, perseverance and a do-it-yourself attitude.  Ernie lived frugally but valued supporting his family, community, and church.  When the kids were grown, Ernie and Monica created a local non-profit "His Helpers." "His Helpers" is a thrift store in Magnolia that offers goods and funds for those in need. He also volunteered for the Raj Hope Foundation, one of the beneficiary organizations of "His Helpers."

Ernie was infamous for working more than enjoying leisure time, but he made some time for playing golf, participating in several local duplicate bridge leagues, and travel.  In his final years, Ernie found joy and community in Tomball through his real estate projects, volunteerism at St. Anne's Catholic Church, and the bridge community.  Known for his sweet tooth, one of his final projects seemed to be the most fitting finale - a collaboration with his daughter, Lorraine, to build Dottie's Gelato Shop.  Dottie's, named after Ernie's mother, enabled him to spend time working with his daughter while also having an excuse to be a flavor tester.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, December 5, from 4pm to 7pm followed by a Rosary from 7pm to 8 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 W. Main Street, Tomball, Texas 77375.  Funeral services will be held Friday, December 6, at 10:30 am at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 1111 S. Cherry Street, Tomball, Texas 77375, with Rev. Thomas W. Hopper officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Anne's or St. Matthias' St. Vincent De Paul or the Raj Hope Foundation and enjoy a scoop or two of gelato at Dottie's.