Obituary
Richard J. Gratton, 95, a longtime resident of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Richard was born January 10, 1930, in Philadelphia. He was a member of the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA), Ports of the Delaware River Association (PMTA) where he worked for almost 40 years. Other various jobs included carpentry, plumbing and making home repairs for family and friends.
Survivors include six of his seven children: Richard/Lucille (Congialdi), Steven/Marie (Tucci), Diana “Annie”/John (Muits), Timothy/Jeanne (Chauffe), Kenneth, and Daniel. Richard also had 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Mary “Louise” Nickel, his youngest son, Jeffrey, his parents Eleanor Cella and Mario Gratton, a brother-in-law, Louis Cunha, mother-in-law, Ella Menke, three brothers and two sisters.
In his free time, Richard enjoyed riding his Red Trike in the Bethune Beach/Manatee Park area. He often referred to the area as “God’s Church” because of its natural, overwhelming beauty. Richard also appreciated watching rocket launches from his back deck, dining out daily, and volunteering at the Shrine Club on Orange Street in NSB.
Contributions can be made in Richard’s memory to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of his life will be scheduled for a later date.
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