Emilia Graceffa

Hampton – Emilia Graceffa, 87, of Hampton, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026. Emilia was born at home in Brooklyn, New York, on October 9, 1938, the daughter of the late Francesco “Frank” and Colombia “Helen” (Gerace) Grasso. She was the second of four sisters and was raised in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, where family was always an important part of her life. Emilia graduated from Catherine McAuley High School in 1956 with a commercial diploma, having studied secretarial skills, stenography, transcription, and bookkeeping. Even as a young woman, she demonstrated a strong determination and love of learning. While in high school, her essay on the judicial system in America was submitted to a statewide contest and selected as the winner. She was honored at a special ceremony at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, an accomplishment of which she remained very proud and one that brought great pride to her parents and family. Immediately after high school, Emilia began her career in Manhattan, working for the Workmen’s Compensation Board. Through her hard work and dedication, she advanced to become secretary to the head of the State Insurance Fund. She married Alfio “Al” Graceffa in 1960, and in 1969, her greatest joy, her son Russell, was born. She devoted several years to raising Russell before returning to work part-time. After moving to Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1978, Emilia continued her career, eventually working in the Risk Management Department at Wheelabrator-Frye and later Fisher Scientific. Following her retirement from Fisher Scientific, she returned to the workforce part-time with Waste Management before retiring for good. She then devoted her time to helping others, volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet in Hampton. Emilia was also deeply committed to causes that were meaningful to her family. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton attending mass regularly. She served on the Board of Directors of New Generations in Greenland, New Hampshire, an organization that held a special place in her heart because of Russell’s adoption. Family was the center of Emilia’s world. She and Russell remained exceptionally close throughout their lives, and the birth of her grandchildren, Christopher and Emily, brought a new and profound purpose and joy to her life. She was deeply involved in their lives as they grew, helping care for them while Russell and Kelly worked, always making sure they were supported, cared for, and knew how very much they were loved. She would do anything for her grandchildren, and much of what she did throughout her life was with their happiness and well-being in mind. She cherished the time she spent with them and created countless memories together, including family vacations to Disney, Cape Cod, and her beloved condo in Boca Raton. Her devotion to Christopher and Emily was unwavering, and the love and care she gave them will remain a lasting part of their lives. She also shared a special and enduring bond with her sisters. Although they lived in New York, they visited Emilia in New Hampshire as often as they could, creating many happy memories together. Shopping trips to Kittery, dinners at local restaurants, travel, and countless hours simply enjoying one another’s company were among the many ways the sisters remained close throughout their lives. Emilia loved to travel, particularly throughout Europe, and many of her most treasured journeys were those shared with her sisters, cousins, and other family members. At home, she was an avid reader and enjoyed challenging herself with crossword puzzles. Emilia will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong work ethic, her curiosity and love of learning, and the importance she placed on helping others. Most of all, she will be remembered as a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest happiness came from being surrounded by the people she loved. She is survived by her son, Russell Graceffa and his wife Kelly of Hampton, NH; her grandchildren, Christopher and Emily Graceffa; her sisters, Frances McLeer of Oceanside, NY, Vincentina Banta of Glen Cove, NY, and Helen Sonitis and her husband Steven of Rockville Centre, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory in Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton. Burial will follow at High Street Cemetery in Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Generation, 568 Portsmouth Avenue, Greenland, NH 03840 or online by clicikng here.

Emilia Graceffa

October 9, 1938 - September 11, 2026