Obituary of Frederick G. Grace

Frederick G. Grace "Retired school administrator” Allegany, NY-- Frederick G. Grace of 3467 Fortune Dr. died Saturday (January 14, 2006) in the Olean General Hospital after a sudden illness. Born January 28, 1921 in Luzerne, PA he was the son of Andrew and Amelia Mussell Grace. On July 9, 1949 at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean he married Mary Jean Goodemote who survives. Mr. Grace was a graduate of Swoyersville High School in Wyoming Co. in Pennsylvania where he excelled as an All Star running back for its football team. He later earned an athletic scholarship for football at St. Bonaventure University under coach Mike Reilly in the early 1940's. His education was put on hold while he served for three years in the United States Air Force during WWII. He then completed his education in 1947 with a degree in Business. In 1947 he began teaching business law and typing at Allegany Central School. His passion for football continued with his having assumed the role of Head Coach of the varsity football team, a job he held for 18 years. He was then appointed Athletic Director which he served at successfully for 19 years. A majority of his career was first as the vice principal and later the principal of the school. After his retirement, his dedication and loyalty to the youth of his community continued with his having served as a member of the Board of Education for several years, thus completing a 50-plus year career in education. Mr. Grace was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, the Allegany Knights of Columbus and the Section VI Athletic Association. In 1999 the newly completed football field at Allegany-Limestone Central School was named the "Fred G. Grace Stadium" in his honor. Surviving besides his wife are 3 sons Geoff (Kay) Grace of Hamburg, Fred (Judy) Grace of Allegany and Tim (Kathy) Grace of Bemus Point; 3 daughters Janine (Tom) Mitchell of Hamburg, Michele (Walter) Nye of The Woodlands, TX and Margaret (Robert) Hines of Allegany; 11 grandchildren; 1 sister Edith Chapko of Fairless Hills, PA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers Frank Grace and Jack Grace and 2 sisters Louise Jackson and Helen Sonday. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (January 18, 2006) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00am at the University Chapel at St. Bonaventure University. Rev. Richard Husted, OFM and Rev. Dan Reilly, OFM will be the principal celebrants. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Allegany-Limestone Central School Scholarship Fund, in memory of Fred G. Grace.