Thomas William Grace

Thomas William Grace of Proctor passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 7th after a brief illness. Tom was born at the Proctor Hospital to Arthur Grace and Evelyn (Hodges) Grace.

He was raised in Florence and attended Florence school and Mount Saint Joseph Academy.

After receiving his draft letter, he chose to join the Marine Corp in July 1967 and served proudly until his honorable discharge in April 1969 with a rank of Lance Corporal. During his service in Vietnam, he fought in the battle of Hue City during the Tet Offensive where he earned two (2) purple hearts. He was part 1/5 First battalion 5th Marines (The Citadel Battalion)

In 1969 Tom married Carol and their adventures started on their trip across country to Alaska. He worked at General Electric and the Proctor Post Office and later began his own excavation and logging business that he ran with his son Tommy for over 50 years.

Tom was a true outdoorsman; in his earlier years he was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He shared and enjoyed these hobbies with his son Tommy and his grandsons Cole and Gunnar.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Evelyn Grace, his brother Robert Grace, sister Joanne Grace and his mother -in-law Ruth Gollstom.

Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years Carol Grace. His daughter Jill Grace - Blanchard and her husband Todd of Pittsford, his son Thomas William Grace Jr. of Proctor and his beloved grandsons Cole and Gunnar Blanchard. He also leaves behind his loyal companion his black lab, Willow.

Tom leaves behind his siblings and best friends who he talked to almost daily and cherished the relationships they shared - Arthur "Jim" Grace (Rhonda) of Chittenden, John (MaryEllen) Grace of Rutland Town, Timothy (Rhoda) Grace of Proctor, his sister Sue Ellen (Scott) Richards of Rutland Town and his Aunt Donna Blight of Proctor. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

There will be no calling hours. A funeral will take place at St. Peter's Church in Rutland, Vermont on Saturday, March 14th at 11:00 am.

Donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Semper FI