Beloved father and longtime local businessman Bill Grace, age 90, of Deerfield, NY passed away Saturday evening, December 6, 2025, at home with his loving family at his side. 

     Bill was born on November 23, 1935, in Marcy, NY, son of the late Frank and Estella (Proctor) Grace.  He enjoyed his youth with his sister Ann Meyer (New Hartford).   In college, Bill met and married his wife Barbara Bonnell with whom he shared 70 years of marriage.  Bill and Barbara worked together to build a beautiful family of 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, and he knew his family was his greatest achievement.  Besides family, Bill took over his Dad's Furniture store; Grace Furniture, and he built it into a longtime upstate New York staple.  Bill strived to bring quality and affordability to his clients as he knew the value of money raising his own large family.  He found great joy in helping others, whether it was assisting a customer in finding the perfect piece for their home or supporting the many charitable causes to which he generously contributed his time and resources. Bill was generous and kind and will be greatly missed.

     Survivors include his beloved wife, Barbara; his five children: William (Susan) Grace, Atlanta, GA and their children: William and Sarah;  John (Andrea) Grace, Frankfort, NY and their children: Matthew, Thomas, John and Michael;  Mary (Robert) Ruckel, Deerfield, NY and their children:  Richard, Michael, Lindsay and Amy;  June Grace, Marcy, NY and her children; Cassie and Zack; and James Grace, Jacksonville, FL and his son Aaron;  his sister, Ann Meyer, New Hartford, NY as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave., Utica. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM. William will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Utica. Those wishing to honor his memory may consider a contribution to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Contribution envelopes will be available at the church.

    The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., to Maria, a treasured family friend, and to Bill’s devoted caregivers—Ana, Nancy, Tatyana, and Vicki—for the exceptional kindness and compassionate care given to Bill during his final days.