Paul Gratton

Paul Robert Gratton, 56 years of age, of Albemarle, NC passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Stanly Regional Medical Center. Paul was born January 16, 1957 in Hartford, CT to the late Joseph Henry Gratton and Ruby Lula Abell Gratton of Concord. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Earl and Patrick Gratton. The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm, Sunday, June 30, 2013 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The memorial service will be at 11 am on Monday, July 1, 2013 at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 416 N. Second St. in Albemarle. Father Peter Fitzzgibbons will officiate the service. At other times, the family will be meeting at the home. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marie Therese Johnson Gratton of Albemarle; his three children, Patrick Gratton and wife Amanda of Connecticut, Kyla Gratton of Mathews, and Earl Gratton of Charlotte; sister, Genie Fortier and husband Tom of Concord; and nephews, Danny and Paul Fortier of Concord, Eric and Roy Gratton; and nieces, Brenda and Anita Gratton. Paul was a loving husband, father, son, and brother. He was a devoted father to his three children, Patrick, Kyla, and Earl, whom he cherished. With a heart of gold, Paul was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish anytime he could with his family and friends. "A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone's friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget." In honor of his love for the outdoors, the family would like memorials to be made to The Nature Conservancy, attn: Memorial Donation Dept., 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606 or online at www.nature.org. Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Gratton family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com