John H. “Jack” Gracie, 83, of Middletown, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Bay Health Hospital in Dover, DE. Born in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late John K. and Elizabeth Gracie.
A lifelong resident of Delaware, Jack graduated from Conrad High School in 1958, where he excelled in football. After high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps before attending Livingston State University in Alabama, where he met the love of his life, Laura (Sherer) Gracie. The couple shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.
Jack dedicated 34 years of service to Delmarva Power & Light as a Lineman and Troubleshooter before retiring to Middletown. He was actively involved in his community throughout his life. Jack was a member of the Mill Creek Fire Company, an usher at University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens football games, and a coach for the Stanton-Newport Little League. He played a pivotal role in founding the Kirkwood Soccer Club, where his three sons enjoyed playing soccer for many years. Since 1967, Jack was a devoted member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, where he served as a Lay Reader, Sexton, and Vestry member.
In his earlier years, Jack enjoyed camping with his family. He loved spending time at his beach house in Fenwick Island, where he fished on his pontoon boat—often feeding more flounder than catching, but always having fun. Jack had a talent for working with his hands, creating beautiful woodworking, stained glass pieces, and paintings, which he generously donated or gifted. An avid reader, Jack devoured books faster than his family could supply them, and he took his solitaire games seriously. He also spent many mornings playing—and often losing—board games with his grandchildren. Though Jack may not have spoken much, the love and pride he had for his family were evident in his eyes. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Laura, Jack is survived by their four children: Karen Newhard (Mike), Scott Gracie (Stacey), Kerr Gracie (Dawn Alexander), and Doug Gracie (Samantha Maloney-Gracie). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Justin Newhard, Laura Newhard (Dana Chard), Drew Gracie (Ally), Nina Gracie, and Emily Gracie. Jack is survived by his two brothers, Larry Gracie (Joan) of Pine Knolls, NC, and Bill Gracie (Ellen) of Meadville, PA, as well as many nieces and nephews.