Obituary of Arthur Gracia

GRACIA- Arthur G. Gracia, age 97, beloved husband of the late Rachel Clericuzio Gracia, died November 4, 2011 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Portugal on August 11, 1914, he was the son of the late John and Mary Fernandes Gracia. Mr. Gracia was a long time resident of Stratford before moving to Shelton 14 years ago. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII and communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Church. Mr. Gracia worked as a truck driver for the Eastern Express Co. for many years until his retirement in 1978. He then drove a school bus for the Stratford Student Co. for 15 years, until his second retirement in 1993. He was the oldest member of the Teamsters Union, Local 191. He is survived by his devoted children, Gary Gracia and his wife, Patricia of Ansonia, and Doreen Baldyga and her husband, Peter of Shelton; brother, Lionel "Pat" Gracia and his wife Claire of Trumbull, sister Emma "Jinx" Desan of Beacon Falls; seven cherished grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gracia was predeceased by four sisters and 2 brothers. Funeral services will take place from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford at 11:00 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Family and friends may call on Monday Morning from 9 to 10:30 AM, prior to Mass. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com .