David J. Graci

David J. Graci, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, with loving family at his side. Born August 30, 1937, he was raised in Thompsonville, CT, and was a graduate of Manhattan School of Printing in NYC. David was a proud US Navy Reserve veteran, and while in Cuba, he had a memorable encounter with singer Tony Bennett, who affectionately dubbed him “The Connecticut Flash.” David began his career at Rainbows Inc., an offset print shop where he specialized in stripping—the art of composing page layouts for publication. He always delighted in telling people he was a “stripper at Rainbows,” when asked what he did for work! David went on to become a real estate business owner and later an author, historian, and antiques expert. He was a passionate collector and dealer of antique books, bottles, and stoneware, with a particular fondness for researching and writing about his favorite local landmark—the Mt. Holyoke Summit House in Hadley–as well as authoring works on many other subjects. An adventurer at heart, David took countless journeys, most of them with his beautiful wife, Audrey, by his side. From a 1971 cross-country road trip with their kids crammed into a camper he built onto a 1950s hearse, to travels through Bermuda, Italy, Germany, France, and Hungary, and little day trips along the East Coast, his sense of curiosity and wonder never waned. He especially loved wine tastings at the California vineyards (or just in the living room) with his beloved nephew, Glen Roberts. And he documented it all with photos and home videos, many of which feature long stretches of sidewalk due to his habit of forgetting to turn the camera off while walking. A member of the Society of Wine Educators and the Somers Antique Bottle Club, David loved history, wine, good food, lively debates, and the company of treasured friends. He was a fierce cribbage player and a loving family man. More than anything, he cherished time spent with those he loved — especially dancing with Audrey, where the two of them were truly magical on the dance floor. He is survived by his cherished daughters, Michelle Graci and Kim Litchfield; grandchildren, Ryan and Britany Litchfield; great-grandson, Brayden; and his sister, Carolyn Curtis. He was predeceased in 2024 by his beloved wife, Audrey (LaCourse); and also predeceased by his son, Steven, and parents, David and Doris (Mosher) Graci. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of David’s life, with visitation from 9:00-10:00AM on Saturday, July 19th, at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front Street, Chicopee. Committal service and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. Donations in David’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

David J. Graci

August 30, 1937 - July 1, 2025

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David J. Graci

August 30, 1937 - July 1, 2025

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

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