SACO — Herbert E. Grace, 74, of Saco, passed away Monday morning on Jan. 20, 2014, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford.
He was born at his grandparents’ home in Saco on Aug. 3, 1939, the son of Herbert H. and Rose (Tyrell) Grace.
He attended Saco schools as a child and graduated from Thornton Academy, Class of 1957.
Herbert’s naval career began with recruit training ”“ RD “A” School ”“ in Illinois and Virginia from November of 1957 through September of 1958.
He served on the USS Stickell from September of 1958 through August of 1962. He also served on the USS Hissem from October of 1962 through June of 1965.
After six months of instructional school in Virginia, he was in the United States Navy Recruit Training Center in New York from August of 1965 through November of 1968 and went to RDB/EWC School in California for one year, from November of 1968 through 1969.
Herbert’s service continued on the USS Guam from November of 1969 through July of 1972 and on the USS Intrepid from July of 1972 through March of 1974. From March of 1974 through July of 1977, he remained on land at Mobile Operational Training Unit 4 Sub Base Connecticut. After his military service, he was employed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from November of 1977 through July of 2008, retiring as supervisor.
He enjoyed being with his wife Irene, who he married on Dec. 19, 1959, and they spent many wonderful and exciting days together. When among his friends and family, he was never at a loss for sharing stories of his adventures.
Mr. Grace was a member of the American Legion, a life member of the Biddeford Saco Lodge of Elks and a parishioner of the former Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
He was preceded in death by: two sisters, Beverly Parker and Rosemary Desjardins.
He is survived by: his beloved wife of 54 years, Irene (Glaude) Grace, who affectionately called him “Gracie”; his daughter, Sharri Anagnostis and her husband Sam; his grandson, Nick Anagnostis and his wife Sara; his brother, Richard Grace; three sisters, Brenda Grace, Ruthie Morse and Judy Hebert; and his nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
It is true that Herbert has now completed his journey here, but there are many places he will still visit, some of which are not even comprehensible, some that one cannot imagine, but we’re all quite sure that if he really wants to, he’ll find a way to reach them.
The family would like to thank the medical staff that took care of Sonny for many years.
Private family services are being held. Burial with military honors will be private in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home. To sign the guestbook or leave condolences to the family, go to www.cotefuneralhome.com.
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