Mariano Gracia Sr., 81, WW II Veteran

He was born February 19, 1920 in Corozal, Puerto Rico. He has been a resident of Lorain since 1954.

He served in the US Army during World War II as a Technician 5th grade, having received 7 overseas Service Bars and the American Defense Service Medal and Clasp. He retired in 1988 from the Ford Motor Company Lorain Assembly Plant where he worked as an industrial mechanic n the hi-low dept. for 19 years. Prior to that he worked Fruehauf Trailer Co., for 16 years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, and the United Auto Workers Union Local 425. He was also a life member of the former Amvets Post 58 in Lorain, and the American Legion in Puerto Rico.

He was a car enthusiast, enjoyed music and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan.

He is survived by hiss wife of 57 years, Georgina (nee Alicea), 3 sons: Jose, Victor and Carlos, all of Lorain, 1 daughter: Myriam Gracia, of Lorain, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 sister: Sara Martinez, of Corozal, Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by his sons: Mariano Jr. in 1985, Raymond, in 1979, and a brother: Francisco Gracia, and his parents, Fransisco and Fransisca (Martinez) Gracia.

The family will receive friends on Thursday January 3, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain. Further arrangements are incomplete and will be annouced tomorrow.

The Amvets Post 47 of Lorain will conduct full military honors.