Edward F. Grace, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8th, 2024, at Niagara Hospice in Lockport, NY.

Born August 12, 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Edward F. and Lillian (Kasprzyk) Grace. Edward was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and Niagara University.

Upon graduating from college in 1963, he entered the United States Navy and served for 13 years. During that time, he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island as an officer candidate; graduated as a Lieutenant JG with his first assignment to the LST ship Middlesex in Norfolk, Virginia; did a tour in the Vietnam War from 1966-1967, spent two years in the Reserves in Youngstown, NY, and from 1971-1973 was with the Military Training Division in the Great Lakes Division, where he was then discharged as a Lieutenant Commander.

After serving in the US Navy, Edward spent 30 years as a devoted high school English teacher for the Niagara Falls City School District at LaSalle Senior High School. He was a senior class advisor for many years and was known for his stories as well as an inviting classroom with coffee and treats for his students.

Outside of the classroom, he volunteered for the local credit union, enjoyed carpentry as a hobby, and loved spending time with his family especially at the family cottage in Crystal Beach. Edward was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and was a long-time member of Mt. Caramel Catholic Church in Niagara Falls. Edward won the Good Neighbor of the Year Award from the town along with another neighbor for community service for his neighborhood. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

In October, 2023, Edward was invited to and attended the honor flight for Veterans in Washington DC.

Edward is survived by his sister, Barbara (Thomas) Fallon; niece Katherine (Matthew) Fenski; nephews Michael (Paula Cassano) Michelson and James Michelson; several great-nephews and a great-niece. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother Dennis F. Grace, USMC, his sister Dolores (Henry) Michelson and nephew Dennis E. Michelson.

There is NO PRIOR visitation. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, January 12th at Holy Family of Jesus Mary & Joseph Parish (Mt. Carmel), 2486 Independence Ave, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Burial with Military honors following in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars/Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors, and Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME INC. Visit zajacfuneralhomeinc.com for online condolences.