James E. “Bill” Gratton, 87, formerly of Derry, NH died Sunday March 8, 2015 in the Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center, Manchester, NH. Bill was born in Derry, NH on October 9, 1927, a son of the late Arthur and Nellie (Ettridge) Gratton. He served with the US Army during WWII and served with the Army Core of Engineers. Bill retired as Postmaster of the Chester Post Office after 35 years employment. Bill loved to ride his motorcycle and was a member of the Retreads Motorcycle Group. He also enjoyed flying planes with his buddies Bob and Charlie. Bill served as past president of the Hoodkroft Country Club in Derry. He was an avid reader, always enjoyed owning beautiful cars, and especially treasured time spent with family and friends. Bill was a longtime communicant of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry where he once served as an altar boy. The family would like to extend a warm thank you to the folks at Villa Crest for the love and support they provided to Bill and Martha.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Geary and her husband William of Londonderry, four grandchildren, Jason Normandeau, Kristopher McQuarrie, Thomas Gorrie and Jill Gorrie, two great-grandchildren, Bridget and Dana Gorrie, his sister, Dorothy Manning, his son-in-law, Roy Normandeau, and also by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha (Watson) Gratton in 2014, his daughter, Jayne Normandeau in 1996, his siblings, John Gratton, Edward Gratton, Ginger Blain, Eileen Gratton and Eleanor Guil.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday March 11, 2015 from 4 – 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Ave., Derry. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. Donations in his memory may be made to Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center, 1276 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com