Lester J. Grace Jr

Rutland – Lester J. Grace, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2024, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Lester J. and Mary B. (Conlon) Grace. Lester was a proud graduate of Worcester Boy’s Trade School and continued his education at Worcester Industrial Technical Institute.

Lester honorably served his country in the United States Navy at Naval Air Station Pensacola before embarking on a distinguished career as an electrician. With determination and skill, he established L. J. Grace Electric Inc., a trusted name in the Worcester area for over 50 years. Lester was a licensed master electrician. A longtime resident of Rutland, Lester dedicated himself to his community. When his children were younger he served and sponsored in the town’s minor and little league baseball programs. He served on the Rutland Planning Board, and as the town’s Electrical Inspector for fifteen years, after retiring from his business. He was a devout parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Rutland. He has been involved with the parish throughout the 55 years he resided in Rutland. Lester had a zest for life and a deep love of travel, particularly enjoying the many cruises he took with the love of his life, his wife, Ruth. A highlight of their adventures was a memorable trip to Ireland, a place close to his heart.

Lester came from humble beginnings and built a life and family completely on his own with the support and devotion of Ruth. Lester was truly a man of humility and always found the best in everyone he met. He was the rock upon which his family leaned on for over 70 years. His love and commitment to the success of others and especially his children and grandchildren will serve as his enduring legacy.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Ruth A. (Pelletier) Grace; his loving children, Christina Guertin and her husband, Jeffrey, of Jefferson, MA; Timothy Grace and his wife, Jane, of Chicago, IL; and Patrick Grace and his wife, Selena, of Meridian, ID. Lester was a proud and doting grandfather to Kathryn and Elizabeth Guertin; Megan, Maureen, Thomas, and Michael Grace; and Nicole Fishburn and Danniell Dustin. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary DiCarlo and Elsie Sullivan.

The Grace family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ming-Jin Wang and the compassionate nurses and staff at the UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center Infusion Center for their unwavering care and support. They would also like to thank Dr. Richard Wholey, his cardiologist that he has helped and guided him for over 25 years.

Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UMass Chan Office of Advancement, Division of Hematology-Oncology for Cancer Research, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.