Vincent Anthony Graceffa, 1937–2025

Vincent Anthony Graceffa of Chelsea, MA, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 22, 2025, at the age of 87, at the Veterans’ Home in Chelsea from complications of pneumonia. Mr. Graceffa had battled Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other ailments over several years and had been in hospice care at the Veterans’ Home over the last two months.

Vincent was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, on June 5, 1937, a son of the late Luigi and Giovannina (Papia) Graceffa. He graduated from Saint Charles High School in Waltham in 1955 and joined the U.S. Army in 1956. He proudly served two years of full-time, active duty at Fort Benning in Georgia and four years of reservist duty split between Fort Dix in New Jersey and Fort Devens in Massachusetts. As an automobile enthusiast from an early age, Vincent trained as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the Army. Mr. Graceffa was honorably discharged from the military in 1962 with the rank of Private, First Class.

From 1960 until 1979, Mr. Graceffa was a part owner and operator of the former “Main Street Auto” dealership and auto service station in Waltham. Vincent attended Wentworth Technical School on the G.I. Bill and obtained a certificate in automotive mechanics. He also continued his education through the General Motors Institute of Technology, obtaining several certifications over the years.

In 1966, Mr. Graceffa met the love of his life, Carol Ann McDermott of Hudson, Massachusetts, through a mutual friend. They were married in 1968 and in 1974 made their home on Elmwood Avenue in Waltham’s Cedarwood neighborhood, raising their three sons, David, Peter, and Vincent, Jr. there.

In 1979, Vincent opened his own auto repair business in Waltham, Vin’s Auto, and operated the business until his retirement in 2004. Vincent loved “all things cars” and had a vast collection of tools, tool chests, automotive repair manuals, and Franklin Mint diecast model automobiles that he collected over the years. He could discuss automobiles and his work as a mechanic for hours. Vincent could repair more than just cars, however, often fixing home appliances, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and anything else around the house that might be on the fritz.

In May 2004, Vincent and Carol retired to Carol’s hometown of Hudson, MA, living in the 55+ community known as the Villages at Quail Run. Vincent had many fond memories of spending holidays and Sundays at his in-laws’ house in Hudson, and summer days by the pools at his sister-in-law Mary’s house in Hudson and his late brother-in-law Frank’s house in Norwood. Sadly, Carol passed away in May 2006 from complications of bronchiectasis. Mr. Graceffa resided at different assisted living facilities beginning in 2009 before moving into the long-term care unit of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, MA, where he had resided since 2016.

Vincent enjoyed all kinds of music, and was a big fan of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Dave Brubeck, Merle Haggard, and especially the Police. He was an amateur drummer as well. Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Stewart Copeland were his drumming heroes. He appreciated the cuisine of his parents’ birthplace, Sicily, and would never turn down a nice dish of briolata, caponata, cannoli, cassata cake, pasta fagioli, or Sicilian-style pizza with anchovies. He could often be found at the local “Dunkin” enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a donut. He was an aficionado of cigars and a good Scotch in his younger days. He loved Westerns and classic gangster movies.

More importantly, Vincent will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, son, and brother. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband to his late wife Carol, whom he adored beyond words and cherished every moment of their 40 years together.

Mr. Graceffa was predeceased by his parents, his wife Carol, his eldest son David V. Graceffa, his brother Anthony L. Graceffa, his in-laws (Nathan and Mary McDermott), and his three brothers-in-law: the Reverend Father Joseph P. McDermott, Francis P. McDermott, and Robert J. German.

He leaves his children, Peter L. Graceffa and his wife Claire of Quincy, MA; his son Vincent, Jr. and his wife Susan of Northbridge, MA; his daughter-in-law Jacqueline Velez Calzada of Corpus Christi, TX; and his grandchildren, Cailey and Samuel of Northbridge, MA, and Cielo and Carol of Corpus Christi, TX. He also leaves his brother, Stephen Graceffa of Waltham; his sister, Josephine (Graceffa) German of Sharon, MA; his sister-in-law, Mary (McDermott) Daniels of Hudson, MA; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Vincent’s family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude to all the staff members of the Veterans’ Home in Chelsea and Care Dimensions Hospice of Danvers for all the love, care, support, and assistance they provided to Mr. Graceffa over the years and in his final days, which he was able to live out with dignity and in peace due to their collective compassion and professionalism.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Vincent’s Life at 11AM on Saturday, May 31st at the Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 21 Manning Street, Hudson followed by interment at Saint Michael Cemetery, Hudson. The Graceffa Family will welcome guests during visiting hours at the Brasco and Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, Friday, May 30th from 5-7 PM.

Donations in Mr. Graceffa’s memory may be made to the Saint Michael Parish, 20 High Street, Hudson, MA 01749.