2/20/2021

I played baseball for Gardenville Rec in the 1950s and have fond memories of Bill Grace our coach and also Bill's dad.  I am now 85 years old, but it seems like yesterday  playing baseball on bright summer days at  Burdick Park ( Glenmore Ave).  Bill was a great leader and I am sorry to have lost touch over the years.  I found an old picture of our team today and stumbled on to Bill's obituary after googling Gardenville Rec.  He was a great guy.

Karl Boin

I'm very sorry for your loss. I want to share a comforting article with your family. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Mr. Grace touched my soul with his wonderful appreciation of life and his love for his family. I loved my conversations with him especially our passion for basketball. Reminiscing about his coaching and the Baltimore Bullets brought me back to a time of childhood. His words and actions were always about others even when he was not feeling well. It is often the unnoticed acts of kindness that speaks to the integrity and character of a man. As the Lord was preparing to bring him home and the anticipated applause of heaven, Mr. Grace showed compassion and thanks to others in his last days here with us. I am thankful Mr. Grace touched my life in a beautiful way and was blessed by his courage, humility and joyful spirit. He also touched so many staff at Oak Crest. My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Grace's family and many friends.

Bob, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Mr. Bill was like having another dad. A man with patience and understanding. Playing basketball for him was a pleasure. He taught boys the proper way to play the game and taught them how to be young men. The world was a better place with him in it. Our world was AWESOME because we knew him. Rest in Peace Mr. Bill!

I never played sports, but Mr.Bill was always there. He taught the boys in his programs to be respectful to others in Gardenville Rec Center. He had wonderful ideas and a quiet, calm demeanor that resonated to others. We shared so many Teen Banquets where his remarks were heartfelt and encouraging. My condolences to his family.

Mr. Bill was like a third parent to me and my brothers. I still think of how lucky I was to sit on the stage at the rec center dripping in sweat from one of his practices while he so earnestly spoke of how to conduct ourselves in the right way.  He was fun, serious, smart, and a very clear communicator that I learned so much from. Rest in peace Bear!  Carl Fornoff

Rest in eternal peace Bear!  You have touched many lives!

Bill Grace, a great man who touched the lives of so many young people that entered those side doors at Gardenville Rec. He was a wonderful man that happened to encourage, inspire, motivate, teach, organize and influence young people through his lengthy coaching ability. I have had the opportunity to coach young people and "Mr. Bill" has always been a part my thinking. I will never forget my last visit when Chris Zang, Dave Reck, Andy Supik and I went to Oakcrest. He told us more great stories then I could recall. Thanks, "Mr. Bill" and may you rest in peace.                         My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Grace family. You were blessed with an amazing man!!

I met "Mr. Bill" when I was a freshman in High School in 1969 when I came to play softball at the Gardenville Recreation Center with my friend, Donna Oliver.  Bill was a wonderful coach, role model and a true gentleman.  He spent many hours coaching and teaching us kids life lessons without us really knowing it at the time.  Those lessons are still with me today: good sportspersonship, leadership, mentoring, dedication, commitment and respect for oneself and others. 

I enjoyed many years at Gardenville both as a player and a coach under his guidance.  His positive example and abilty to bring out the best in those he coached has been emulated by those who played on the softball field and basketball court at the Rec Center.

My condolences to "Mr. Bill's" immediate family and his other family at the Gardenville Recreation Center on his passing.

Sincerely,

Mr. Bill was one of a kind!!!  He generously gave so much of his time to the Gardenville Rec Center, especially the boys' basketball program.  My three grown sons still speak of Mr. Bill fondly, and we will always remember his kindness and encouraging manner.  Mr. Bill will always be remembered as one of the nicest people I have ever had the honor to know.  My condolences to the whole family.

Mr. Bill was one of a kind!  He gave so much to the boys' basketball program at Gardenville Rec.  My three grown sons still speak of Mr. Bill fondly.  We will never forget his kindness and all the time he invested into so many lives through basketball.  My condolences to the whole family.

I have so many wonderful memories of the Holidays, and the whole family gathering at the home on Plumber Avenue.  Uncle Bill was a Gentle Giant to me, and I will miss him.  Aunt Gloria, Linda, Bill, Jim, Bob, Mike and Steve:  Please know that you and your families are in my thoughts as you navigate the difficult time ahead.

Bill's mom, Helen, was our next door neighbor for many years until she passed away.  Bob and I have wonderful memories of the loving care a son had for his mother.  His visits and care for her needs showed an unconditional love that was an example for all.  Her backyard was always a showcase, be it full of flowers or a humongous vegetable garden. That same garden turned into a classroom for his students. Education was his passion.  Bill was a gift to all he knew.  
                Judy & Bob Gaver

Bill had a large family but he was also like a father to many of us that he coached, myself from ages 10-19. He recruited me in my college years as a coach myself and trusted me with coaching his own two youngest sons in basketball. We also shared the same birthday. I loved and respected Bill with all my heart, he touched many lives, he was a consummate gentleman, a dedicated coach and an absolute winner from whom I learned many life lessons! Godspeed, Bill, your just reward awaits you in heaven! 
With sincere sympathy to his entire family, 
Dr. Rita M. Kurek

May the good Lord wrap his arms around him and welcome him home.  Well done, good and faithful servant!!!  And for those he leaves behind...let us be what he taught us to be...to be the change we want the world to have.

Our prayers and praise,
Tom & Collette Wichert

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God's Word the Bible during this most difficult time.

Frank and I are so very sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and prayers to the family Mr Bill you were the man at the rec ! My son loved playing basketball with your camps and track and field. You were the role model for the children thank you for giving so much of your time  you will be remembered always and thank you ! Many good times

Mr. Bill was one of the nicest men I know.  He taught me basketball and softball.  He was always kind, he never raised his voice if you did something wrong.  He was also my friend Linda's father, so I got to spend time with him on both levels.  Heaven has gained a wonderful Angle today, and he will be watching over his family.  He will forever be in my heart.  Prayers for the entire Grace family.

OBITUARY

William S. Grace Jr.

June 16, 1931 – October 12, 2015

Schimunek Funeral Home

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