James S. Gratton

James S. Gratton PITTSFIELD James Stone Gratton, 83, of 770 Salisbury St., Worcester died July 23, 2008, at Rose Monahan Hospice. Born in Palisades Park, N.J., son of the Rev. John Gratton and Esther Stone Gratton, he spent his childhood in Pittsfield, where his father was pastor of the First Congregational Church. His parents emigrated from England in the early part of the 20th century, and their loving kindness and self-denying care blessed him in his childhood and sustained him through all the days of his life. He leaves his wife of 51 years, the former Carole A. Stevens; two sons, John Duncan Gratton of Wellesley and Jeffrey Nielsen Gratton of New York City; two grandchildren, Christina Grace Gratton and John William Gratton, and his daughter-in-law, Patricia A. Brown Gratton, all of Wellesley; a sister, Vicary Clark of Falmouth, and 13 nieces and nephews, their spouses and offspring, numbering 57 individuals. His extended family was the chief joy of his life. He was predeceased by two sisters, Muriel Small and Caroline Graham. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Celebration of his life will be held Monday, July 28, 2008, at the First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St., Worcester. A reception at the church will follow immediately afterwards. After cremation, burial will be Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, 470 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01609. Funeral arrangements are by Caswell-King Co., 474 Grove St.