HUDSON—Frances “Fran” Vecchio DeGrazia, 70, died July 16, 2010 at her home in Hudson.
Born September 19, 1939, in Syracuse, Mrs. DeGrazia was the oldest daughter of the late Joseph and Ann Vecchio and grew up in Keyport, NJ.
She worked as an airline stewardess and later on the ground in the airline industry enabling her to travel around the world. She was publisher of Promenade Magazine, a monthly publication in NYC.
She married Vincent DeGrazia in February 1982. They moved from NYC to Summit in 1983 and opened an antique-filled barn.
In 1998, they moved and settled in Hudson and continued their business, opening Encore Antiques on Warren Street. Mr. DeGrazia died in February 2009.
Mrs. DeGrazia always loved books, was well read and after she gave up the shop, sold books and periodicals on the Internet.
She was engaged in her community and helped found Fourthdown in 2000 and the Hudson Beautification Committee in 2002. She was a member of the Hudson Sister City Project and an active volunteer for the Friends of Hudson campaign.
Survivors include, two step-children, Frank (Carol) DeGrazia of Long Island and Lisa (Edward) Scalzitti of Delray, FL; four grandchildren, Kristin and Michael DeGrazia, Bridget and Eddie Scalzitti; a sister, Judy (Bill) Wessel and her children and grandchildren; her dearest friend Sandi Tenace of NYC and many friends who will miss her in Hudson.
A memorial event in Mrs. DeGrazia’s honor will take place Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany 12205. (518) 525-1629.
