James L. Grace

He was born in Ridley Park, PA on September 11, 1929, the son of James L. Grace Sr. and Mary (Shields) Grace. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Joseph College in Philadelphia, his master's in education from Temple University, his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and his JD from Franklin Pierce College. He moved to the New Hampshire area in 1970.

Prior to his retirement in 2000, he had been employed as a business law professor at Southern New Hampshire University (formerly New Hampshire College). Previously, he had served as dean at SNHU for nearly 13 years.

He was a longtime communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Church and was a past president of its parish council. He also served as president of the NH Institute of Art.

James devoted his life to his family, faith and education and believed strongly in their importance in life.

Family members include his wife of 58 years, Loretta M. (Katein) Grace of Manchester; his children, Lorri Raiche of Manchester, Mary Ellen Grace and her spouse Anita Lacy of Portland, OR, James L. Grace III and his wife Jeannette of Candia, Susan Grace of Los Angeles, CA, Mary Beth Grace and her husband Jeff of Henderson, NV, Diane Lestage and her husband Michael of Manchester; 5 grandchildren, James L. Grace IV, Connor Matthew Grace, Joseph and Annabelle DePew, and Margaux Lestage; 1 brother, Fred Grace of Philadelphia; 2 sisters, Rosemary Gregory of PA and Alice Babe of Norwood, PA; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and one sister Ann Hunter.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, September 24, 2010 in St. Catherine of Siena Church, corner of Hemlock and Webster Streets. Committal prayers followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to NH Catholic Charities, 215 Myrtle St, Manchester, NH 03104 or to Southern NH University, 2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106.