Robert Michael Grace

Robert Michael Grace, 73, of West Kingston, died Monday. He was the beloved husband of Robin (Diggins) Grace for 31 years. Born in Troy, New York, he was a son of the late Robert B. and Vera (O’Brien) Grace. Mr. Grace served with the United States Navy for 31 years, retiring in 1988 with the rank of Commander. During his career he was stationed at locations around the world such as London, England, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Yokosuka Japan, Stougart, Germany, Seoul, South Korea, and New London, CT. He was also privileged to serve on several naval ships including the USS Providence, USS Ranger, USS Mount Whitney, and USS Midway as well as many others. Bob was a man of boundless curiosity - a great historian, insatiable reader and absorber of facts. He was a gentle Irish soul who loved all of his family and never tired at working to support their endeavors. He believed in helping others; he was the genuine article. Besides his wife he is survived by four children, Robert M. Grace, Jr. of Providence, Penelope Cray of Burlington, VT, Catherine Karapuda of Oceanside, CA, Mollie Vera Grace of Winthrop, MA; a grandson, Finn Henry Cray-Budington; and a sister Margaret Grace Bell of Narragansett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 5th at 10 AM at Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. Burial with military honors will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Thursday, April 4th from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1553 Shannock Road, Charlestown, RI 02813 or Navy Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203, nmcrs.org.