Richard N. Brace, Jr.

Richard N. Brace, Jr. Merritt Island Richard N. Brace Jr. CWO- W2 US Army (Ret) 79, slipped the surly bonds of earth Thursday, September 22, 2011. Born and raised in Bos ton, MA, he joined the Air Force after high school. As an aerial gunner in the 90th Bomb Squadron he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery and the Bronze Star. Tran sitioning to the Army as a Warrant Officer, he was awarded multiple decora tions. After two tours in Viet Nam and culminating 22 years of military service, he moved to Brevard County in 1973. 38 years in Brevard, he explored various occupa tions: Real estate, A-M Horse Stables, owner of Eagle Security, Florida Air Academy, and Security at Royal Mansions Resort. He dedicated time as a men tor, Big Brother, and base ball coach. A true romantic, he was a loving man that touched the lives of many. Preceded in death by his first wife, Rita Catherine; he is survived by his precious wife, Rita Marie; brother, William (Billy) of Dorches ter, MA; sisters, Jeanine Lydeck of Weymouth, MA and Jean Totten of Fitch burg, MA. He was "Dad" to Deborah Ann Dimond (Michael), Stephanie Lee Miller, and son Richard Michael (Adrienne), "GraGra" to Shannon Lee Campbell (Chad) and Robyn Ann Collier, and "Great GraGra" to Natalee and Wyatt Campbell, as well as 7 nieces and 10 great grand children. Services will consist of a viewing at Wylie Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Is land from 5-8 pm Tuesday, September 27th followed by a Mass at Divine Mercy at 10:30 am on Wednes day, September 28th. In lieu of flowers, please lift a glass to GraGra, and do a random act of kind ness for a complete strang er and pass it on for GraGra. You cant pay it back, so pay it forward. God Bless.

Arrangements under the direction of Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island, FL.