Obituary of Angelo Gratch

Angelo Gratch Angelo Gratch, 99, just shy of 100, of Rome passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Bethany Gardens. He was born in Dunmore, PA, on November 27, 1915 son of the late Carmelo and Lucia Marciano Gratch. On May 11, 1938 he married the former Angelina DeCandia in DeWitt, NY. She passed away in 1993. Angelo was a member of St. John the Baptist Church and a Scout Master for Troop 17. Angelo was a quiet man who was always there for his family. He would take his children and their friends, pack them into his trusty station wagon wherever the adventure was for that day. When his children grew up, he did the same thing for his grandchildren and their friends. Angelo, working for the Department of Defense, traveled for his job to places such as the Philippines, Iran, California and Oklahoma. He enjoyed listening to his Mantovani records and had a great fondness for doing crossword puzzles. What made Angelo happiest was his love of Bridge. A lifetime Bridge Master, he played by computer with people from Germany, India and other foreign countries. He oversaw the Bridge Club at the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizen Center. Angelo's bridge members were like family to him. His favorite days were Monday and Friday, which is when the Bridge Club convened. There were two places Angelo went to when it was no longer safe for him to be home. The first was the Terrace at Woodlawn, Assisted Living Community. There he was encouraged to remain active and was well taken care of by the people who dealt with him. His last home was Bethany Gardens on the sixth floor, where those who dealt with Angelo treated him with respect and kindness which was also given to his family as well. No words can express what their care and concern meant to our family. We will miss him, but will carry him in our hearts where ever our own roads lead. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law; Carmen and Renate Gratch, Rome, Michael and Susan Gratch, Oklahoma City, Ok, a daughter Lucy Gratch, New York City, NY. Four grandchildren; Ingrid Davies, LasVegas, NV, Donna Manion, Rome, NY, Monica Metz, Richmond, VA, Luci Ann Gratch, Oklahoma City, Ok, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother and four sisters. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m., at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Angelo's name, to the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizens Bridge Club, 305 E. Locust St., Rome, NY 13440 To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com