Benjamin Thomas Graci Jr.

BENJAMIN T. GRACI, JR., passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2016, at 95 years old. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 16, 1921. His parents Benjamin T. Graci, Sr. and Rose L. Graci, his first wife Janet R. Graci, stepson Edgar C. Sauls, Jr., his son Benjamin “Tommy” Graci III, and his identical twin brother, Joseph J. Graci, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Ponthieux Graci, his son, Charles F. Graci, Sr. (wife, Judy), step-son Terry A. Sauls, step-daughter Deborah Sauls Boccanfuso, daughter-in-law Kelleen Farmer Graci (husband, Tommy), granddaughters Samantha L. Graci, Christina E. Graci-Javanmardi (husband, Eliot), grandson, Charles F. Graci, Jr., step-granddaughters, Nunziatina “Tina” Boccanfuso, Jaqueline Boccanfuso Wilson (husband, Curtis, Jr.), Christina M. Sauls, step-grandsons, Greg J. Durel II (wife, Brandy, Terry A. Sauls, Jr., (wife, Shoua), step-great grandchildren, Curtis P. Wilson III, Greg J. Durel III, Carmin L. Wilson, Jenice M. Wilson, Aubree M. Berkman, Mikayla N. Sauls, and Cole J. Wilson, nephew, Guy J. Graci (wife, Janet).

Benjamin T. Graci, Jr., served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II (WW II) and retired as a Lt. Colonel after 38 years of honorable service. He also retired from the Jefferson Parish Fire Department as a fire inspector.

He loved animals, old automobiles, WW II aircraft, cowboy movies, and apple pie.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. A trusted friend to many; his life touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana with visitation beginning Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and a Funeral Mass beginning at 1:00 pm in the Chapel. Interment will immediately follow after the service in Greenwood Cemetery 120 City Park Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, Ben requested that you please make donations to your local animal shelter. Friends may leave messages of condolences at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com