AYER — Bernardino “Bernie” Gracia, 81, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at his residence.
Mr. Gracia is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maria E. (Salinas) Gracia; two daughters, Carmen M. Levesque of Sebec, Maine, and Rosa H. Jarvais of Ashby; two sons-in-law, Peter Michaud and Christopher Belanger; three grandchildren, Daniel Levesque, Vanessa Jarvais and Richard Prado; and two great-grandchildren, Cyan Prado and Jerico Prado. He also leaves one brother and one sister as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Gracia was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 1926, a son of Domingo and Paula (Gracia) Tirado and has resided in the Ayer and Shirley areas for over 40 years.
For over 20 years Mr. Gracia served his country in the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict.
Following his retirement from the armed services, he operated a taxi service in the area serving the Ayer, Shirley and Fort Devens areas.
Mr. Gracia was a member and had served as the president of the Fort Devens Taxi Association. He also worked as a security officer at San-Vel Company in Littleton.
Funeral services are incomplete at this time. There are no calling hours. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Lancaster.
The T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home of Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements.