Flags at half-staff to honor Father John Grace; Services set for this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Services are set for the beloved Catholic Priest Father John Grace who passed away on Saturday, May 4.

To honor the life of the 98-year-old man who touched many generations in South Lake Tahoe, the South Lake Tahoe City Manager Frank Rush has asked that all City facilities fly their flags at half-staff.

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

Services have now been set for Father Grace at St. Theresa Parish, 1041 Lyons Ave, South Lake Tahoe.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, May 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil Mass with Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

On Thursday, May 9, there will be a funeral at 11:00 a.m. in the church followed by a reception at Grace Hall. All are welcome!

Private Memorial Mass and burial on Friday, May 10 at Calvary Cemetery.

A very large crowd is expected for the funeral. For those unable to fit inside the church there will be a telecast outside with speakers set up around the church property.

Born in Ireland, Father Grace arrived in South Lake Tahoe in 1956 and was at St. Theresa Catholic Church until he officially retired in 1993, but those who knew him know he was still very active in the community, the church, and spending time on the golf course.

Just a week ago he was honored for starting Bread & Broth, the program to feed to local community that is still going strong, 30 years later.

“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 SLT 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.”

City flags will be lowered to half-staff through Friday afternoon.