May 12, 1936 – September 4, 2026
It is with deep sadness that the family of Francis Peter DeGrace announce his passing on Friday, September 4th at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on May 12th, 1936, he was the eldest child of the late Peter and Ella (Brideau) DeGrace.
Dad was a family man above all else. He met and married our Mum in 1955 and made the care of our family a priority. He possessed a strong work ethic which he took with him everywhere he went in life. His determination and belief in a job well-done was evident to anyone who met him. He knew many people and we often joked that it wouldn’t matter where he went in the world, he would find a connection with someone. He had an incredible memory for people and events which we all appreciated. A constant observer, he recalled stories with phenomenal detail. We will certainly miss that.
The phrase “jack of all trades and master of none” simply cannot be said about our Dad. He was skilled in several areas including plumbing, electrical, automotive, machinery and woodworking. If it had an engine, a pulley system, a bolt, screw or spring, the man could fix it! As kids, we observed him sketching diagrams and layouts late into the evening at the kitchen table. With a keen eye for detail, Dad enjoyed transforming those ideas to create furniture, toys, and gardens. Any renovation projects (several of which were long-term), in the end would be transformative.
He began his paid work at the old Saint John General Hospital as an orderly helping to set casts in the outpatient department and working in the morgue. Dad then went on to become a member of the IBEW Local 502 and worked as a high voltage electrician for Beamer Lathrop at Rothesay Paper. Following that assignment, he worked at the Lantic Sugar Refinery rebuild doing electrical work on 550V heavy machinery, becoming a Charter Member of the Trades & Labour Council. Soon after, Dad studied trade at Vocational School and began his climb through the ranks at NBTel, working in the Stockroom, then as an Install/Repairman. He quickly moved up to Lineman/Equipment Operator. Dad was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Supervisor/Vehicle Purchaser. He received training in Truck Engineering in Ontario to operate the first new hydraulic post-hole digger for NBTel. He was proud to take possession of it as it made its way to Saint John. Dad completed his years at NBTel as an Installer/Repairman and could still tell you which poles he worked on in Gondola Point!
In 1964, Dad responded to an advertisement for work as a police officer (Constable Rank) at the Simonds Police Department. In 1966, the Simonds and Lancaster Departments amalgamated with the Saint John Police Department. Dad attended several training sessions at Holland College and on 2 occasions he attended the Canadian Police College in Ottawa completing courses in Drug Investigational Techniques (1975) and Criminal Intelligence (1986). Dad was among several officers who were the first to be promoted to the rank of Corporal (1976). Dad was presented The Police Exemplary Service Medal from then Governor-General Jeanne Sauvé which was a great honour. He had also qualified for his cross-pistols in shooting. Our Dad was deemed a member of the International Law Enforcement Agency U.S.A. In 1981, he received training in Fire Investigation Methods at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S. Twice, our Dad was presented Honour Certificates from former Mayor Elsie Wayne for his contribution to projects which benefitted from his expertise. Dad worked as a Criminal Investigator at Detective Rank and retired as Sergeant in charge of the Criminal Intelligence Unit – Drug Section in 1991. During his years on the police department, Dad was also an entrepreneur. He owned and operated his own garage on Station Street (Frank’s Sales & Service) specializing in Volkswagen repairs and engine rebuilding. He had a passion for refinishing furniture.
Behind the scenes, our Dad was a very generous individual and dedicated his time and talents to several volunteer opportunities. It was truly his calling as he found much satisfaction in helping others. He, along with Jim Goddard and under the supervision of Dr. Gibbons, serviced breathing apparatuses as part of the first Cystic Fibrosis Chapter in New Brunswick. Dad spent 15 years volunteering with the John Howard Society at the Community Chaplaincy at Stone Church and operated the Community Workshop assisting ex-offenders in honing their woodworking skills. He was honoured to receive the Harold McCullough Award for his dedication to the John Howard Society. He was a long-standing member of the Church of Christ the King and found his talents could be best utilized as a member of St. Joseph’s Guild at the church. He oversaw and completed many small and large projects there including building/painting the set and lighting for a live re-enactment of The Last Supper. Dad kept busy as a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and did volunteer shifts at the Saint John Police Museum. With his knowledge and skill in tools and woodworking, Dad was asked to judge woodworking submissions at the Atlantic National Exhibition for 10 years. For many years, Dad kept busy in his role at the East Saint John Food Bank transporting items and helping in any way he could. Dad was the Director of the Blue Knights NB#2 Chapter and was involved in the planning and organization of the Blue Knights Convention in 1979 in Saint John.
Dad leaves to mourn his five daughters, Lori Burnside, Mary Jayne Underhill (Donnie Lester), Shari Patstone, Carrie Hatt (Peter) and Tammy Robinson (René) and one son, Todd DeGrace; grandchildren, Natasha Montes, Jonathan Underhill, Holly Baltas (TJ), Heather Adams, Carolyn Connell (David), Meagan Townsend (Kathryn), Matthew Hatt (Meghan), Kelsie Hatt (Rosa Moody) and Hannah DeGrace; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn King, Ellis Adams, Scottie Connell and Ainsley Townsend; sister, Eileen Dobrotic; brother; David DeGrace (Hughanna); sister-in-law, Sharon Hyde; brother-in-law, Carson Madigan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, Heather (Orr) DeGrace; granddaughter, Deanna King; sister, Anne-Marie Poertner; sister-in-law, Beverly Madigan; brother-in-law, Kenneth Orr; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hyde; sons-in-law, Daryl Underhill, R. Craig Patstone and Terry Burnside.
Dad will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His quick wit, determination and fierce independence will remain in the hearts and memories of those he leaves behind.
We would like to thank the staff of Concord Hall and Embassy Hall at Shannex for their assistance with our Dad. A special thank you to Dale Thibodeau, his caregiver, who helped so much in these past few weeks. To his friends who never forgot him and visited him weekly, we are forever indebted to you as he so appreciated your time and support.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) where visitation will take place on Friday, October 9th, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at The Church of Christ the King, 2000 Loch Lomond Road. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting Francis’ obituary on the Brenan’s website. A reception will follow the service, downstairs, in the church hall.
For those who wish, donations may be made to The Church of Christ the King, Redhead Strays or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.BrenansFH.com
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home’s or family’s consent.
