BERNARD 'BERNIE' J. GRATZ

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Prayers will be at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. William J. Connell at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church in Poland, for Bernard “Bernie” J. Gratz, 64, who passed away peacefully Friday morning.

Bernie was born Oct. 19, 1951, in Youngstown, a son of Leo F. and Mary Agnes Myers Gratz.

He was a 1970 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and attended Youngstown State University. Bernie was a self-employed certified professional photographer and worked at Buehler Floral Shop. He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Dover and was a member of and secretary for the Ohio Photographers Association. Bernie enjoyed sailing and spending time with his family.

Besides his father, Leo F. Gratz of Struthers, Bernie leaves to cherish his memory, a brother, Gerald L. Gratz of Poland; a sister, Patricia M. (Robert) Kalasky of Struthers, several nieces and nephews; and two great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Agnes Gratz; a sister, Mary Patricia Gratz; and a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Gratz.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman.

Material tributes can be made in Bernie’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and send condolences.
- See more at: http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/2015/dec/27/#sthash.btl95OqE.dpuf