Richard Grace

Richard Lee Grace, Jr., 71, a Laurel, Md., resident for 70 years, passed away on September 22, 2013 at Howard County General Hospital. He was born on October 16, 1941 in Washington, D.C. to the late Richard Lee Grace, Sr. and Margaret Grace. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1959 and the University of the District of Columbia where he received his degree in Fire Science Administration. He began volunteering at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department Company 10 at 18 and was later elected the youngest fire chief in the history of the department. He joined the Washington, D.C. Fire Department in 1963 and retired as Battalion Fire Chief at the Training Academy in 1985. During his career he received numerous awards and citations for bravery. He also served as City Administrator of the City of Laurel from 1990-94. He was a loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather. He loved reading, country music, and most of all spending time with his family. Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years Sondra Grace; daughter Karen Maria Sweeney and her husband Chuck; grandchildren Kiley and Emma Sweeney and his brother Michael Grace Sr.