South Lake Tahoe- Beloved Catholic Priest Father John Grace, 98, passed away over the weekend. To honor his life and commitment to the City of South Lake Tahoe, City Manager Frank A. Rush, Jr. asked that all flags on City facilities be lowered to half-staff.
Father Grace was born in Ireland but called South Lake Tahoe home. A fixture in the community he was known for his commitment to the Catholic Church, which he served for 70 years, his unwavering support of those less fortunate in our community, and his love of golf.
“For years Father Grace put the community of South Lake Tahoe first. His desire to lift people up, to help those in need, and give back to this community left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him,” said Mayor Brooke Laine, “He raised the bar on what a priest should be and served as an example of the best of humanity. He will not soon be forgotten in South Lake Tahoe.”
Father Grace will be remembered for his charitable work, specifically his desire to see no one go hungry in South Lake Tahoe. He started “Bread and Broth,” in 1989. That program gave people in the area hot, nutritious, meals every week. More than anything, he enjoyed helping people.
City flags will be lowered to half-staff through Friday afternoon.
A public viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a vigil and rosary for at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Theresa Catholic Church. Father Grace’s funeral will take place Thursday at 11:00 am.