DIGHTON - Harold J. Gracia Sr., 79, died peacefully, October 20, 2010 at St. Anne’s Hospital, Fall River.
Born August 30, 1931 in Dighton, he was a son of the late Manuel S. (Mike) and Lena (Rogers) Gracia Jr.
A 1950 graduate of Dighton High School, he had been a resident of Dighton for most of his life where he served his community in the departments of police, fire, and civil defense.
He was a communicant of the former St. Peter’s Church, where he volunteered much of his time in their hall and St. Vincent de Paul.
A recipient of the Marian Medal for his church service, Mr. Gracia served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
He was a VFW life member, and the Commander and Parade Marshall of Dighton’s Memorial Day parade for over 30 years.
He was employed at Reed and Barton then became a postal carrier.
Later he became an inspector for the Registry of Motor Vehicles where he retired after 20 years.
He was one of the original members of the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force.
In 1972, Harold was honored for rescuing two women from a burning building.
Farming was a big part of Harold’s life, from working on the family farms in Berkley and Dighton when he was young, to his own gardens when he was older.
Harold treasured time with his family.
He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots, bowling and traveling with his wife Jean.
He is survived by his wife, Jean (Bagnall) Gracia; his three children, Deborah Araujo and husband Thomas, Harold J. Gracia Jr., and Brenda Roose and husband Stephen; five grandchildren, Katelyn Araujo, Krista Gracia, Dominic Gracia, Allison Roose, and Jason Roose; and a brother, Frederick W. Gracia and wife Loretta.
He was very proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Monday, Oct. 25th at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass St. Nicholas of Myra Church 499 Spring St. N. Dighton at 10 a.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Burial will be private at the MA National VA Cemetery in Bourne.
Calling Hours will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, Oct. 24th from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in memory of Harold - Memorials may be sent to Bristol County Agricultural High School (BCAHS-scholarship account) 135 Center St. Dighton, MA 02715.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.