Obituary of Frederick Albert Gricius

Frederick Albert Gricius of New Canaan passed away peacefully on his 90th birthday, October 8, 2014, surrounded by those he loved. He is survived by: Patricia, his wife of 43 years; his daughter Kathleen from his first marriage to Dorothy Christofori, who died in 1969; his step-daughter Mary Neumann; his grandson James: James's wife Sarah Neumann; and his beloved great-granddaughters, Emma Rose Neumann and Abigail Katherine Neumann. His daughter Joanne Gricius, a highly talented artist and photographer, suffered an untimely death in 2004. Fred served in the US Navy during World War II under the Pacific Theater of Operations as radio operator and anti-aircraft gunner on a PT boat. His Squadron 10 fought a successful campaign against Japanese shipping, supporting the US Army's advance through New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. He was honorably discharged in 1946. As a musical prodigy, Fred realized a lifelong dream when receiving a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1950. He then began a long and successful career teaching music to schoolchildren in Maine, New York and Cape Cod while receiving and Masters in Music from Boston University in 1956. He had a second career as a music therapist at the Brockton, Massachusetts VA Hospital. We mourn his passing, but celebrate his life for his honor, decency and kindness which touched so many. We were enriched by his presence and are diminished by his passing. Rest in peace, Freddy. Visiting hours and a service will be from 6 to 7pm on Monday October 13th at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien. A graveside service is scheduled at noon on October 14th at the Pine Hills Cemetery, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Person-to-Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 in Fred's name. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820