Wife, mother, aunt, coach and devout servant to the public. Rita Graci’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her passing. Rita passed away on July 4, 2023 at the age of 61 after a hard battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to live like Rita would -- fearless, loving, fun-filled, and unapologetic.
Rita graduated from Millis High School and went on to complete her bachelor's degree in finance at Bryant University, where she put herself through college while also raising her two children, Kristin and Justin. She had a long career, helping build and scale multiple businesses, including Ian Brown Landscaping. However, Rita's life was not solely defined by her career. She was a loving mother deeply involved in her children's passions, coaching multiple championship softball teams, attending every baseball game, and encouraging music and arts. She also enjoyed taking her family on vacations across the country with her husband, Brad.
Outside of family life, Rita was a dedicated public servant. She was the founding treasurer of the SAFE Coalition in Franklin, helping support those affected by substance use disorder. She was also actively involved as a bone marrow donor registration leader and served as a board member, treasurer, and president for multiple foundations and communities. Everything Rita touched became better.
Rita's happy place was on the softball field, coaching teams; with her family on Drakes Island; in the yard, gardening; or on the beach in St. Augustine, Florida, where she and Brad owned a home for many years. She was a lover of music, including Tom Petty, Marshall Tucker Band and the J.Geils Band -- frequently attending concerts with her son, husband and future daughter-in-law, Christina. She had a go-getter personality, never compromising in a fight for what’s right. She was the rock for everyone around her, helping support family members and friends and whoever needed a helping hand and louder voice. Her personality was free-spirited, caring, selfless, thoughtful and unapologetic in her beliefs. Rita is survived by her husband, Brad Graci; her son, Justin Graci; her future daughter-in-law, Christina Marchetti; her mother, Rita Dwyer; her father, Ed Dwyer; her sister, Donna DeBenedictis; her brother, John Dwyer; and many other loved relatives.
The Graci family invites all those who knew and loved Rita to join them for a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 21 from 4pm - 8pm at the Franklin Elks Club in Franklin, MA. In lieu of flowers, bring smiles and memories to share as we celebrate a life far too short. The family encourages anyone who wishes to make a copy of their one or two favorite Rita photos and bring them with them to donate to our memory photo book at the celebration.