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1930
2017
Grace Avitabile age 87 passed away peacefully on Friday May 5, 2017 at Charles Place Assisted Living Facility in Rockledge, FL.
Born in the Bronx, Grace later moved to Brooklyn where she met Rudy her loving husband of 65 years. Together they moved to Patchogue, Long Island where they raised their family. Finally moving to Florida in the 1990's.
Family and friends were Grace's joy and delight. She spent vacations with her friends and family on cruises and in Aruba. She loved to host and entertain and frequently had many parties at her house.
She is survived by, Rudy, her loving husband of 65 years; her 3 sons, Steven, Robert and Richard. Her Grandchildren, Maygan, Adam, T.J, Alicia and Jason; and her Great-Grandchildren, Zachary, Dylan, Titus, Sam, Olie, Miles, Isabella and Joy. As well as her sister, Wally.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL. Calling Hours will be Wednesday , May 10, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8pm.
The funeral will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Our Saviour's Catholic Church, 5301 N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL .
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Hospice of St. Francis.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Florida Memorial Funeral Home.
May 4, 2018
Peggy D'Avanzo
Thank you for all the wonderful times we spent together especially our yearly holiday visits to you on Adams Avenue. Your "chicken and shout" dances will never be forgotten. You are loved and missed.
May 1, 2018
Tina Falcone
My husband and I spent many fun filled days with Rudy and Grace at the Hunt Club. We missed them so much when they moved to Florida but we always kept in touch. I remember whenever they had a disagreement, Rudy would say to her "Grace, did I tell you today that I love you". She would just smile and know he certainly did!
April 9, 2018
Spouse
rudy avitabile
April 4, 2018
Terri Guarnieri
Although Aunt Grace was my senior by 25 years there really was no age difference between us. She had a youthful spirit and embodied a joy for life. Always the party girl she loved to dance, dine, gamble, cruise and have a cocktail or two. or even three! I remember at her encouragement at a family wedding we tore up the dance floor until it was cleared of everyone else! We were also friends and had a special place for each other in our hearts. She said life was short so make sure to have a great time along the way. While she made a beautiful home for Uncle Rudy and her three sons she didn't take life too seriously. At a very young age I noticed she was different from my mom and other aunts whose first focus were their children. Aunt Grace's priority was her husband, my Uncle Rudy and from there flowed the foundation of their beautiful family, including their dogs. Their eyes were only for each other. What I know for sure is that she fiercely loved Rudy through her last breath and continues to love him through her spiritual eternal life with the Lord. My life has been greatly and gratefully blessed by each of them. Rest in peace dear Aunt Grace and dance your heart in heaven.
March 8, 2018
Wally
I still miss my sister. She was an important part of my life.
March 8, 2018
Friend
Joann P
Grace was a vivacious and energetic "influence" on the family, especially on Dad. There is nothing more peaceful and comforting to a family than the good consciousness that goes with how they behaved in lifetime. For those of us who live with faith, we also know how to live for the living and carry on the traditions, be it the special ethnic "Grace" dinner for the holidays, or the special dish or ornament that made the Sunday dinner table "home" with all the kids seated with smiles. Those of us who know you at all, know you did in life what carries to clear conscience and loving peace in death. Never forget the "roots" Grace gave you and let generations to come know all about it. The memories are worth sharing. Joann
March 8, 2018
Louie & Sandy Marchica
Grace,
I know you can see and read these words that I am writing today in Loving Memory of your life on earth. My wife Sandy & I never actually met you, but we learned all about your life on earth through your loving and caring husband Rudy. He is a good friend of ours now and in the past year has shared so many loving memories of you that we feel we always knew you. We love to spend time with Rudy and hear and see (through pictures & videos) all of the occasions, vacations, trips, and joyful moments you two shared in your lifetime. We can tell and feel how much in Love you were with each other, by listening to the beautiful stories he tells, and every word that emanates from his mouth.
Rest In Peace Grace!
We miss you too,
Louie & Sandy
March 6, 2018
Anthony Rampolla
Rudy, sorry for your loss.
July 11, 2017
Wally Cartwright
Everyday I miss you a little more. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. So many times I think about you and wonder why I did not call more often. You are the best sister I could have had. Thank you for being there for me. I love youl
July 9, 2017
GRACIE TODAY I PLAYED PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AND IT BROUGHT BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES THAT WE HAD TOGETHER HOPE YOU CAN READ THIS IN HEAVEN. MISS YOU VERY MUCH . LOVE YOU ALLWAYS RUDY. JULY 9 2017
June 17, 2017
When the Lord calls our loved ones home he leaves a gift of memories in exchange, to soften the edges and ease your burden. Your friends at Grumman Retiree Club
May 23, 2017
St. Francis Staff
May your memories bring peace and comfort to you.
May 23, 2017
Rita & Joe M
We will always remember Grace as a "Fun loving" lady. God bless her.
May 23, 2017
nick & Diane T
We are so blessed to have known Grace, she was a lovely lady.
May 23, 2017
Glenn, Cindy, Glenny &Cynthia
With love and prayers.
May 23, 2017
Ed Urban
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
May 23, 2017
Pat & Pam V
It was a joy to know Grace. She will always be remembered.
May 23, 2017
Paul & Nancy C
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 23, 2017
John & Liz L
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
May 23, 2017
Marie Milano
I will miss her. We had so many laughs and good times.
May 23, 2017
Glenn & Rebecca G
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 23, 2017
Mickey M
Wishing you comfort and peace. You are in my prayers.
May 23, 2017
Barbara
So Sorry - when Ron and Carol told me of Graces passing the first thing that entered my mind was Grace dancing across the living room floor with a silly smile on her face. that is how I will always remember her.
May 23, 2017
John & Tina
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about the loss of Grace.
May 14, 2017
Carol & Ron Sidorski
Grace's passing saddened us but remembering over 40 years of love, friendship & travel companionship brings a smile to our hearts. The life of the party. Grace was always in it for a good time, doing the chicken dance, or dancing to one of her favorite songs from Dirty Dancing, "The Time of Your Life". We learned how to do the Electric Slide together as well as The Macarana although Rudy and Ronnie had two left feet! Grace, Ronnie and I wanted to stop smoking in the 90's and went to a hypnotist in Patchogue, leaving Rudy in charge of getting the pizza; well after attending 3 times with no success, Rudy summed it up that all we really wanted was to be together, have pizza and lots of laughs!! Aruba was always a hoot although separating Grace from the slot machines was a tough assignment! We will miss her dearly; but we know she's in a better place watching over us.
May 11, 2017
Kim Parga (Avitabile)
Although I only knew her for a short time, the love of family and tradition that she displayed was contagious to everyone around her. I will treasure the memories of the 12 course dinners on Christmas Eve, the egg fights on Easter morning and the big Sunday dinners followed by heros for supper after a lazy day at her home. May she RIP in the arms of our Lord and may the Lord provide comfort to Rudy during the coming weeks and months.
May 11, 2017
Kerrie-Ann Stidum (Kennard)
Prayers for peace and understanding to Rudy and family.
May 10, 2017
Melissa, Adam, Sam, Oliver & Miles Avitabile
Although I only met Grandma Grace twice, her great spirit and humor shone through immediately. She was the life of the party at our wedding, spending the whole evening tearing up the dance floor. Adam has spoken fondly of his childhood memories with Grace and Rudy, especially the big Italian dinners on Sundays and the traditions and family values they passed on to their grandchildren. He has always spoken with great pride about how his grandparents had been together since they were 14 years old and were still like teenagers in love. I wish we had been able to see her more, especially after our kids were born. But, I'm glad to know her spirit and humor has been passed along to her grandson, Adam and our 3 boys. We really wish we could be there and send all of our love to Grandpa Rudy, Bob, Steve and Richie and the rest of the family.
May 10, 2017
Mickey McGreevey
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Rudy and family.
Think of stepping on the shore And finding it heaven!
Of going from storm and tempest to an unknown calm,
And finding comfort?
Of taking hold of a hand, And finding it God's hand,
Of waking and finding it Home!
God Bless, With thoughts & prayers, Mickey McGreevey (Alicia's Gram)
May 10, 2017
Wally Cartwright
There are no words to describe our sadness at this time. Gracie will be missed by everyone who knew her. To me she will always be my loving sister, always there for me, laughing, dancing, the smiling. We shared many years of caring. I will miss her and grieve for my sister forever. Wally and Micheal
May 9, 2017
Cindy and Aaron Meyers
Aunt Grace, dear, funny, always outside-the-box, Aunt Grace.
Although we did not have the privilege to spend much time with her, the moments we did were usually filled with laughter and wisdom and drinking. We learned she could return teasing and jokes equal to anything we could dish out. We learned to "never say something is cheap, because it makes you cheap". We learned how to make awesome Black Russians. Most importantly, we learned what growing older with your best friend should look like. Aunt Grace and Uncle Rudy have set a beautiful example for us. Thank you for all the moments we shared.
Though nothing can bring back the hour
of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind.
~ William Wordsworth
May 9, 2017
Betty DeLuca
Thank you for all the good times and memories
Keeping Rudy and the family in our prayers
Love, Sal and Betty DeLuca
May 8, 2017
Suzanne Dixon
The kids and I have wonderful, fun-loving memories of Grace! Such a generous heart and a great neighbor! Rudy and family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers for continued strength and grace! Suzy and Cal Dixon- Quentin, Wyatt and Sofia Ashley
May 8, 2017
Katie & Joe Daniells
My Aunt Grace was the spunkiest, mischievous, yet classy, and always looking for a good time lady. Sitting around the pool and listening to stories and jokes is what I remember her as the most. Uncle Rudy and Aunt Grace always had a playful tune. I once sat back and said to myself this is how I want my golden years to look like. Laughter, love, and their faith with God was the glue that kept her radiant smile shinning everyday. I will forever miss you. I wish I told you while you were alive that Aunt Grace and Uncle Rudy were more like grandparents to me more then aunt and uncle. Aunt Grace you will never be forgotten. I hope that you're dancing across the stars. Thank you for being present throughout my childhood and adulthood. We have traditions that we do over the holiday's that stem from you and I'm going to continue them until it's my turn to be dancing with you. Much love!
May 7, 2017
Diane Clerici
May the love and support of family and friends help you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Aunt Grace. Love you!!
May 7, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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Florida Memorial Funeral Home5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955
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Florida Memorial Funeral Home5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955
May
10
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