November 1, 1932 – May 4, 2022
William R. Grace a resident of Reading for over 60 years, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4th, 2022. He was 89 years of age. William (Bill) was born in Boston on November 1st, 1932, the son of the late Roderick Lewis Grace and Katherine Frances (Kidston).
After attending Somerville, Massachusetts schools and graduating from Danvers (MA) High School in 1950, William enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, just as North Korea was invading the South. “Rather than waiting for the Army to catch me, I joined the Navy”. William set his sights on being a hospital corpsman. After basic training, William spent the next 5 years in uniform including hospital corps school and was then ordered to the USS Prairie, a destroyer tender in the Pacific which operated between Sasebo, Japan and the East Coast of Korea. William finished his tour as a staff pharmacist at the Newport, Rhode Island Naval Hospital.
After an honorable discharge from the Navy, William matriculated to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in June of 1960 as class valedictorian.
The Gillette Company recruited William near graduation as one of their team of product development chemists. For over three decades, he not only enjoyed his research, but also the opportunity to travel for the company. William holds several US and International patents for personal care products.
After retiring, William volunteered as a tour guide and archivist at Boston Symphony Hall, particularly enjoying school group tours. He also spent countless hours volunteering at the Greater Boston Food Bank.
An avid chorister, William sang with The Reading Community Singers, and his church choir at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading. He was also active in town political, fraternal, social and church activities.
William enjoyed 62 years of marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth (Blanchard) who passed away in March of 2021. Together, they have three children: Ruth, Martha and Andrew.
Cherished brother to the late Virginia Woodbury and Jessie Smith of Florida. Adored Father-in-law of Michael Gosselin, Rick Nazzaro and Patricia Grace.
Devoted Grandfather to Sarah (Gosselin) and her husband Michael Kelly, Joshua Gosselin and his wife Chantal, Alexander Damore and his wife Victoria, Jonathan Nazzaro, and Keith Grace. Great-Grandfather to Connor and Chloe Kelly.
William was a faithful member and steadfast supporter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading (MA), his permanent spiritual home since 1969.
Funeral Services and burial are private and there are no visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Unitarian Universalist Church 239 Woburn Street, Reading MA 01867.
