Fred Graziano, a long-time resident of South Nyack, entered into eternal rest on October 20, 2016 from natural causes. He was 91 years old. Fred was born on October 2, 1925 to Nancy and Joseph Graziano of Central Nyack.
He proudly enlisted in the US Navy on November 24, 1943, and served on the USS Dennis as a torpedo man. Along with his shipmates, Fred made history fighting in the battle of Leyte Gulf. Upon discharge from the Navy at Lido Beach, Long Island, NY in June 1946, Fred returned to Nyack having earned the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Star and the Philippine Presidential Citation.
Fred retired from the Federal Paperboard Company after 30 years working as a lithographic pressman, but he never retired from helping family and friends with home improvement projects.
As a parishioner of St. Ann’s Church, Fred served as an usher for many years. He was a proud lifetime member of the C.R.&R.O. Blauvelt American Legion Post 310 in Nyack, NY.
Fred enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sharing stories of his amazing and courageous life. He was an avid Yankee fan, who was passionate about his country, but most of all he loved his family. Fred was a true American hero.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Joan. He is survived by his daughter Carol Ann, and her husband Michael, of Monroe, his son Fred Jr., and his wife Susan, of Chester, and his son Joseph, and his wife Deidre, of Woodstock. He is also survived by his six grandchildren - Mallory and Caitlin Mayer, Thomas and Courtney Graziano, and Nathan and Shaina Graziano – as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 24th, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Hannemann’s Funeral Home in Nyack, NY. American Legion Post 310 will hold a service on Monday evening at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church in Nyack, NY at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 25th; the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to C.R.&R.O. Blauvelt American Legion Post 310, 85 Piermont Ave, Nyack, NY 10960.