John H. ‘Jack’ Gracie, 83, of Middletown, Delaware passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Bayhealth Hospital in Dover, DE. He was born in Wilmington, DE to the late John K. and Elizabeth Gracie.
A lifelong resident of Delaware, Jack graduated from Conrad High School in 1958, where he lettered in football. After graduating, he served in the United States Marine Corps before attending Livingston State University in Alabama where he met the love of his life, and wife of 60 years, Laura (Sherer) Gracie.
Jack worked at Delmarva Power & Light for 34 years as a Lineman and Troubleshooter before retiring to Middletown.
During his life, he was involved in many activities. Jack was a member of the Mill Creek Fire Company, an usher at the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens football games and a Stanton-Newport Little League coach. He was instrumental in the founding of the Kirkwood Soccer Club where his three boys played for many years. Since 1967, Jack was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. While a member, he served as Lay Reader, Sexton and was a member of the Vestry.
In his earlier years, Jack enjoyed camping with his family. He loved spending time at his beach house in Fenwick Island and fishing on his pontoon boat. Sometimes more flounder were fed than caught, but it was always fun. He very much enjoyed working with his hands, spending time woodworking, creating stained glass pieces and painting. Everything he created he donated or gave as gifts. Jack was an avid reader, reading faster than the family could gift him books. He took his solitaire seriously. He also spent many mornings losing board games to his grandchildren. While Jack may not have said much, you could see in his eyes the love and pride he had for his family who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his wife Laura, Jack is survived by their four children: Karen Newhard (Mike), Scott Gracie (Stacey), Kerr Gracie (Dawn Alexander) and Doug Gracie (Samantha Maloney-Gracie). Jack also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Justin Newhard, Laura Newhard (Dana Chard), Drew Gracie (Ally), Nina Gracie & Emily Gracie. He is also survived by his two brothers, Larry Gracie (Joan) of Pine Knolls, NC and Bill Gracie (Ellen) of Meadville, PA as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to visit the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE on October 16 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service celebrating Jack’s life will be held on October 17 at 11:00AM at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2800 Duncan Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19808. Internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
