Frank G. Grace, 97, of Fairhaven passed away Monday August 3, 2020 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary (Pires) Grace.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antone G. and Louisa (Gomes) Grace of Brava, Cabo Verde, Mr. Grace lived in New Bedford for many years before moving to Fairhaven 24 years ago. Formerly a construction worker for Loranger Construction, he was a Supervisor for the New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company until retirement.
A proud World War II veteran, Frank's U.S. Army service included participation in battles of Northern France, the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe as part of General George S. Patton’s famous "Red Ball Express." He was honorably discharged in 1945.
Frank shared his time and talents freely throughout the years, including his well-known "gufongos." He was Chaplain and longtime member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association. He was a former coach for Verdean Vets Little League teams. He was active in the choir and various parish activities at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, including the Building Committee in the 1950s that planned the current church building. An accomplished musician who played the guitar and harmonica, Frank was a well-known singer invited often to participate in weddings, funerals and special events in the region.
Mr. Grace is survived by his wife, Mary; his three children, Clotilde Edwards, Arnold Grace, and Anthony Grace; Mary’s children, Kevin Britto, Kelvin Britto, and Gayle Britto; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.
He was predeceased by his sons, Frank “Parky” Grace and Ross M. Grace, Sr.; his former wife, Philomena (Tavares) Grace; and his siblings, Caroline Coelho, Katherine Pina, John Grace, Eddie Grace, and Tucker Grace.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday August 8, 2020 at 11:30AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 74 Spring Street, Fairhaven. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Visiting hours will be on Friday August 7, 2020 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. All attendees must wear face coverings and practice social distancing. The attendance limit at church will be 80 persons and capacity will also be limited at the funeral home. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.