Obituary of John Joseph Gradia

John Gradia June 22, 1951 - April 23, 2010 John Gradia, 58, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 23rd. He was born on June 22, 1951, son of Margaret Gradia and the late Joseph Gradia. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rafe Gradia, of 34 years, who nursed him faithfully through his complications from diabetes. He is also survived by his loving daughter, Cara Battaglia and her husband, Cory; his mother, Margaret Gradia; his sister, Suzanne Wilson; and his dogs Niko and Bruno. John was a proud Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the United States Army as a combat engineer. Before being honorably discharged he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time at home with his family. He was also an avid coin collector, and a member of the Danbury Coin Club, faithfully attending the local coin and stamp shows before his illness. He worked for several years at Kimberly Clark Corp in New Milford. He then began his own landscaping business and was well known in the local community. When he was forced to retire because of his illness, he began working part-time with Phil Jones at the Brookfield Coin and Card Shop in Brookfield. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Gradia; his brother, Mark Gradia; his in-laws Rose and Joseph Masi; and his brother-in-law, Daniel Masi. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and home health care workers and therapists provided by the Ridgefield VNA, the Danbury Hospital, the Dialysis Unit, and Danbury Healthcare Center in helping to make John's final days peaceful. Funeral Information There will be a Memorial Mass on Friday, April 30th at 11:00am at St. Gregory the Great Church in Danbury. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. A "Celebration of John's Life," will be held at Mario's Pasta Garden following the services on Friday. Donations Information Contributions in his name may be made to DAWS or the Dialysis Unit on Osborne Street, Danbury.