Richard 'Dick' Gracie

Richard (Dick) Gracie, 88, of Main Street in St. Johnsbury passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, surrounded by family.

Dick was born in Bennington, VT on January 1, 1929, to John and Dorothy (Chenney)

Gracie. At 14 years old, after finishing 8th grade in Wheelock, he went to work full time. Dick joined the United States Army Air Corps and served during WWII and the Berlin Airlift, in the Army of Occupation in Europe. In 1950, he married Maude Mertrude Bunnell and shared 32 years with her, raising a family, until her death in 1982. In 1973 Dick started his own roofing company, Gracie Roofing, which was later reorganized into DG Roofing in St. Johnsbury. He loved what he did; work was his hobby.  He has been fortunate to share the last 27 years with his partner, Susan Dugan.

Dick enjoyed driving cross-country with Susan, the California coast being one of his favorite places. He liked playing cards and reading, and he loved to dance. He could talk with anyone and had a way of getting close to people. Children loved Grampy, he was a kid magnet.  Dick helped a great many people, but would never take credit for his generosity.

Dick is survived by his partner: Susan Reis Dugan of St. Johnsbury, VT; two sons: Steve Gracie and wife, Gina, of Danville, VT, and Evan Dugan and wife, Rosie, of Redwood City, CA; three daughters: Linda Daigneault and husband, Norman, of St. Johnsbury, VT, Carol Palmieri and husband, Mark, of Waterford, VT, and Stacey Dugan and partner, Steve Murphy, of St. Johnsbury, VT; a sister: Geraldine Duguay of St. Johnsbury, VT; 13 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was predeceased by his wife: Maude (Bunnell) Gracie; a brother: John Gracie; a brother-in-law: Maurice Duguay; and a nephew: Joseph Duguay.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Paul Powers will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 4 PM at the Union Baptist Church, Rt.5, St. Johnsbury, VT, with a celebration of Dick's life to follow.

In lieu of flowers Donations may be sent to Kingdom Community Services Food Shelf, 36 Steeple Place, St. Johnsbury VT  05819 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate).

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com