Ben F. Graceffa

Ben F. Graceffa, 95, lifetime Rockford resident, died on Friday, May 5, 2023, in Serenity Hospice and Home. Born March 6, 1928, son of Frank and Anna DeCarlo Graceffa. Graduated from West High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Married Dolores A. Eastman on June 4, 1949. After 66 years of marriage, she died on August 24, 2015. He was a meat cutter, and along with his father and siblings, he owned Graceffa & Sons Grocery Store. In 1969 he joined Logli Grocery Stores as a produce manager and retired from there. Ben was a much-loved man by his family who knew a lot about a lot of things. He was always a hard worker and was a great storyteller. He loved his family history and enjoyed sharing it with others. He also loved the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Bears and always enjoyed a trip to Arlington Racetrack and the casinos. Ben worked hard at remaining mentally sharp and that continued until the end. He and Dolores always enjoyed going to the Butterfly Club and listening to the music there.

Survivors include his children, Ben, Jr. (Doris), Dan (Pat), Philip (Beth), Robert (JoMarie), Jeff (Sherry), Susan (Dan) Habben and daughter-in-law, Linda Graceffa; grandchildren, Nick (Michelle), Michelle (Jason), Lisa (Teddy), Julie (Garreck), Scott (Amy), Brian (Jackie), Kate (Mark), Philip (Nickole), Brent, Ryan (Leah), Justine, Alyssa, Colin (Bailey), Conner (Adriana), Lauren (Jonathan), Jake (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Giovanni, Luciano, Cason, Cecilia, Keira, Jack, Elizabeth, Gabe, Sophia, Madison, Abby, Emma, Tallen, Donavan, Preston, Melissa, Michael, Kira, Mila, Landon, Lyla, Kayla (Tom), Baily, Braden, Matt and Hannah. Also survived by great-great grandchildren, Camille, Vivien, Lyric, Ivory and Indie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife; son, Steven; brothers, Pete (Josephine) Graceffa and Ray (Rosie) Graceffa and sister, Crucifice Sala.

Ben was blessed by his son Philip who was a wonderful caregiver, and the family would like to give a special thank you to his niece, Dorianne (Sam) Castree for the care she gave to Ben.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, in the Cathedral of St. Peter followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation also from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home or the family to be used for special interests of Ben. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.