Edward (Gracz) Gross

Mr. Edward (Gracz) Gross, age 86, of New Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 23, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Edward was born in Utica on April 20, 1925, the son of the late Frank and Rose (Stolarczyk) Gracz. He was raised and educated in Utica. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Edward honorably served his country during World War II in the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Theater of Operations where he was active in campaigns under General George S. Patton. On March 14, 1975 he married the former Rose (Canzaro) DeNigro with whom he shared 37 years of devoted love and wonderful memories. During his employment years, Edward worked at the General Electric Company for Security, retiring in 1985 after 32 years of steadfast service. He was proud to be the first person to raise the American flag at the French Road location. At home, he was a loving husband and dad, and his two girls, Denise and Sandra, were the apples of his eye. He never considered them as step-daughters and his love for them was in his heart forever. He also held a great love for his grandchildren, and they will have fond memories of him and of the candy he always had in his pockets signified by the familiar crinkling noise the wrappers would make. Edward was a true gentleman in demeanor, and he would always offer his support and guidance in a respectful manner. He was an impeccable dresser, and would fanatically make sure all details were tended to. During his spare time, he loved golfing and manicuring his own personal lawn to appear like a “golf course”. He faithfully cheered for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Edward is survived by his wife, Rose; and his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Jack Miller of WI. He mourned the loss of his daughter, Denise Taurisano, who passed away on November 1, 2000. He also leaves his son-in-law, Philip P. Taurisano and his wife Kathleen of New Hartford; his grandchildren, Jeremy and Shawna Miller, Cheryl and Michael Beiersdorff, and Janet Miller, all of Wisconsin, Courtney and Michael Sprague, and Philip Taurisano, Jr. and fiancee Kimberly Schillaci, all of New Hartford; his great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Adria Miller, Miah and Jackson Beiersdorff, Ariella and Olivia Sprague, and Krish Schillaci. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Roger and Dorothy Sassman, Dick and Mary Jordan, Roger and Joan Smith, and Larry and Patricia Brothers; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; a host of relatives in Hamilton Canada, and his friends, Frank Froschauer, Florence Gentile, and Rocco DeNigro and his wife Betty. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Edward Smith, Stella and Stanley Kasperek, and Victoria Gracz; his brother, Adam Gracz; his in-laws, Carmella “Cora” and Victor Leone, and Joseph C. Canzaro; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pasquale and Victoria (Maida) Canzaro. The family is grateful to the Utica Fire Department Rescue One, and the Utica Police Department for their quick response and valiant efforts at the time of Edward’s accident. The family will honor and commemorate Edward’s life in a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation in memory of Edward’s daughter, Denise Taurisano, directed to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-2000; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus & Casimer Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Edward (Gracz) Gross

April 20, 1925 - March 23, 2012