Mr. Drago G. "Sweetie" Grcic

MARCY – Mr. Drago G. “Sweetie” Grcic, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born in Olib, Croatia on March 24, 1943, Drago was the son of the late Mate and Ivana (Frantin) Grcic. At the age of 16, he ventured to the United States with his two sisters, settling in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan. There, he taught himself English, learning to read and speak it in order to forge his new life. He became a master carpenter, a trade he worked for many years. He held a position locally with Beebe Construction Services, Inc., as well as various other local companies. He shared a loving and memorable relationship with the former Mary Lou (Maggiolino) Kunkel for thirty years before uniting in marriage on September 18, 2015. For Drago, family came first. He had a tremendous love for them, his heritage, and his homeland of Croatia. In fact, he returned there every year, many times accompanied by his children. He embraced Mary Lou’s family as his own, and they in turn embraced him, lovingly referring to him as “Dida.” An outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hunt, and take in the beauty of nature. He often talked about the beauty of his motherland, and how much he loved being out at sea. In his younger years, he would even go deep sea spearfishing. He also had a great love for soccer, watching the sport avidly. Drago was a proud member of the Local Carpenters Union #277. He was of the Catholic faith. Drago is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Kunkel-Grcic; daughter, Michelle Grcic; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kelly Grcic, and their mother Sandra; grandchildren, Ava, and Stella; stepchildren, Krysta and Mike Carney, and Jack T. Kunkel, Sr.; step-grandchildren Michaela, and Nikolas Carney; and Jack T., Jr., and Ryan Kunkel; and a host of nieces, nephews, including Michael, Steven, and Oliver Pulisic, Joeseph, and Robert Vidusin; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins both locally and in Croatia. He was predeceased by two sisters, Ivana Pulisic, and Slavicia Vidusin. The Grcic family would like to thank Drago’s trusted physicians, Dr. Scott Brehaut, and Danielle; Dr. Sultana Razia, and Dr. Tatyana Antonevich for their care and compassion. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Drago G. "Sweetie" Grcic

March 24, 1943 - November 13, 2024