Rev. Theodore Gracia, 77, former Christ Episcopal pastor
Father Theodore R. Gracia, 77, died on Dec. 6, 2005, of esophageal cancer at Pine View Care Center in St. Charles. He was the former pastor of Christ Episcopal Church in River Forest, where he was missed by his community. “Truly a man of God, a rare find in this day and age,” said Richard Millett, a long-time member of Christ Church. Gracia joined the U.S. Army in 1946, and served in the army of occupation in Italy until his discharge in 1949. In the summer of 1950, at the outset of the Korean War, Gracia was recalled from the reserves into active duty where he served as a rifleman, earning a Purple Heart. He met his wife, Emily, at Penn State University in 1952. They married in 1954 and had three children, Becky, Nancy and Tom. He also was the grandfather of four.
Gracia was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1956, and he and his family settled in Kenilworth, where he served as curate at the Church of the Holy Comforter from 1956-59. He established two missions at St. Nicholas in Elk Grove Village and Church of the Holy Innocence in Hoffman Estates, from 1959-66, serving as vicar at both parishes. In 1967, Gracia and his family moved to River Forest, where he served as rector for 33 years at Christ Episcopal until his retirement in February 2000.
Rev. Gracia’s hard work was his hallmark and heritage, said friends. His mission of caring extended beyond his own church to the wider community, volunteering at various VA hospitals and area nursing homes. “He was a wonderful man, a soldier for Christ,” said Sarah Bryan Miller, a one-time Wednesday Journal writer and a member of Christ Church. “He visited the sick in hospital. He did not stop at prayer for people; he did practical things that were needed. He was one of the few priests anymore that make house calls.” Miller added, “He was quiet, understated, and hard working; he was everything that a priest should be. I know he will be sorely missed.”
Fr. Gracia also served the community in a number of ways. He was president and chairman of Montgomery Place, serving in key leadership positions during the construction of the senior citizens retirement home in Hyde Park. He was head of the Oak Park Deanery for 19 years and served as president of the Oak Park Visiting Nurses Board. In addition, Gracia served for 10 years on the board of the Episcopal Church’s Cathedral Shelter, was a Cub Scout leader, and volunteered with the PADS homeless shelter program.
After his retirement, the Gracias moved to St. Charles. They continued their life of ministry at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where Gracia occasionally preached at Sunday services and acted as a supply priest for several Chicago-area Episcopal churches.
Visitation was held Dec. 9 at Yurs Funeral Home in St. Charles. The funeral was held Dec. 10 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 17 N. River St., Batavia 60510 or St. Mark’s Memorial Fund, 320 Franklin St., Geneva 60134.
For information, call Yurs Funeral Home at 630/584-0060.
Eugene Fleming, Local dentist
Dr. Eugene P. Fleming died on Dec. 6, 2005 in the Hospice of the Treasure Coast, Stuart, Fla. Fleming lived in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but was a dentist in River Forest and Oak Park for 34 years. He graduated in 1957 from Northwestern Dental School after serving during WWII in the Navy.
Eugene Fleming is survived by his wife, Delores (nee Shaunessy); his children, Moira (Johnson), Sean, Gene, and Peter; his grandchildren, Rory and Andrew Johnson and Joseph Fleming; and his siblings, John Vleminckx and Joanne Moore.
A funeral service was held Dec. 9 at St. Bernardine Church in Forest Park, followed by interment took place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer masses. Arrangements were handled by Joseph Nosek and Sons Funeral Home.
Robert Stastny, 94, River Forest lawyer
Robert J. Stastny died on Dec. 5, 2005, in his home in River Forest. Born in Chicago, he graduated from OPRF and the University of Chicago. He worked for the Federal National Mortgage Association as an attorney, and was their regional counsel at the time of his retirement.
Robert is survived by his children, Jane (James Hinde) Stastny, Robert J. Stastny, Jr., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, and his brother, John (the late Helen) Stastny.
Visitation was held Dec. 10 at Drechsler, Brown, and Williams Funeral Home with private services held that day, followed by interment at Bohemian National Cemetery. Memorials to the Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Tex. 75265.
Edythe Kovic, 91, Affectionately known as “Grandma”
Edythe Kovic, 91, died on Nov. 28, 2005. Mrs. Kovic was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and lived in Oak Park for six years with her son and his family. She married Joe Kovic in 1938. For most of her career she enjoyed being a mother and homemaker. Prior to motherhood and later in her retirement years, she sold ladies’ clothing in fashionable boutiques. She never lost her eye and flair for fashion. Mrs. Kovic was very active as a volunteer in the United Way in Alton, Ill., for many years.
She was affectionately known as “Grandma” to everyone on the 1200 block of North Lombard. Mrs. Kovic loved people and is remembered by friends and family as “a classy lady.” Edythe was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. Her son, Stephen; his wife, Susie; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Peter; and many nieces and nephews survive her.
A memorial service to celebrate her life was held at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest on Dec. 12. Should friends desire, donations can be made in her name to Global Horizons, 1370 Skiles Lane, Arden Hills, Minn. 55112.
?#34;Compiled by Katherine Galo