ANDREW GRACIN
NORWICH – Andrew (Andy) Gracin, 88, of Norwich and well known plumbing and heating business owner, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26, 2014, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Andy was born in Olyphant, PA on Jan. 12, 1926 the son of Marko and Anna (Kuzmiak) Gracin where he attended the local schools. He soon entered the United States Navy serving his country from June of 1943 until his honorable discharge in March of 1946. On May 2, 1947 in St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Binghamton he married Rena Aldrich. After a brief time they moved to East Pharsalia where he started with Reynolds Son & Allen and in 1953 they came to Norwich. He continued on and did his apprenticeship becoming a Master Plumber and went onto his own business of Gracin Plumbing and Heating which he owned and operated with his wife Rena and their son Anthony of East Pharsalia. Following his retirement, Andy enjoyed his travels, taking care of his wonderful garden and flowers, following the Giants, woodcarving, working on his puzzles and just enjoying the great outdoors. He also enjoyed meeting the gang at several area coffee shops for the latest gossip. Andy’s greatest joy was to go fishing with his great grandchildren.
Andy will be remembered as one who cared about making everyone comfortable when handling their problems regardless of time.
Andy is survived by his wife of 67 years Rena of Norwich, children Mark Gracin and companion Deborah Coleman, Tony Gracin and Judy Gracin of East Pharsalia, Lynda Haley and husband Steve of Cape May, NJ and Laurie Gracin of Norwich, his sisters Jean and Ann as well as brother Anthony. Also surviving are his grandchildren Jennifer Gracin, Rachel Hall and husband Brandon, Natalie Gracin, Devon and Taylor Haley, great grandchildren Alicia, Spencer and Samuel Gracin, Dominic Gould and Allen Hill. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive as well as his brothers- in- law and sisters-in-laws Irma Davis, Olive Sturgess, Harry and June Aldrich, Elmer and Adelaide Aldrich and Eleanor and Al Mirabito.
Andy was predeceased by his siblings William, Maria, Michael, Harry, John, Stephen, Vladimir and William.
PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICES for Andy will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in the East Pharsalia Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions to the East Pharsalia Cemetery Association, C/O Dorothy Franklin, 116 Lindy Lane, Norwich, NY 13815 or the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Rd.32, Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.