Obituary of James A. Graziano

James A. Graziano, of Manalapan Township passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2009 at the age of 100. Born in New York City on June 7, 1909, James resided in Jersey City for 64 years and Clifton for 32 years. James was a disabled WW II U.S. Navy veteran. He worked as an electrician for Western Electric, Kearny for 42 years before retiring in 1976. He also operated his own electrical contracting company for over 30 years. He helped organize an Inactive Naval Reserve Unit that met regularly for nearly 60 years. He was a member of St. Clare’s Roman Catholic Church, Clifton. His beloved wife, Mary, passed away in 1998 after 59 years of marriage and is survived by his three daughters: Ann Marie Wiatroski and husband Steve, Manalapan, Connie Subelka and husband John, Lewes, DE, and Elaine Abicca and husband Frank, Moscow, PA, four grandchildren, Stephen, Jerelyn, Frank, and James; and ten great-grandchildren. Jim and Mary were devoted parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, and enjoyed many joyous occasions with their family. His long life made Jim the patriarch of the large Graziano family and was present and gladly participated in all of the family’s significant events. James loved the beach and spent nearly every summer of his life at the Jersey shore, which gave his family wonderful memories. He will be much missed by family and many, many friends. Visitation for James will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Monday, Sept. 14 at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Historic Church, Rt. 520, Marlboro Township. Burial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.