Throughout his life, Father Hugh loved all of his parishioners and all aspects of the priesthood
Retired priest of the Archdiocese of New York, Father Hugh R. Grace, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2026.
Born on Aug. 17, 1937, in New Rochelle, Father Hugh graduated from Blessed Sacrament High School in 1955. After attending Iona University, Father Hugh entered Christ the King Seminary in Olean. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1964, at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Father Hugh’s first pastoral assignment was at St. Joseph’s in Croton Falls in 1964. Following that, he was an Associate Pastor at Saint Columbanus in Peekskill from 1964 to 1976. He then went on to serve at Saint Mary’s in Wappinger Falls from 1976 to 1987, and then was assigned to Saint Mary’s of the Snow in Saugerties as Associate Pastor and then Pastor from 1987 to 2006. Father Grace’s last assignment was at Saint Boniface in Wesley Hills, serving as Pastor from 2006 to 2012. With his vocation at his core, even after retiring in 2012, Father Hugh served as an auxiliary priest at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Califon, NJ.
Father Hugh’s old friends have said that he wanted to be a priest from the time he was a small child. Even after retirement, Father “Hughie” would hold Masses for the neighborhood children in his backyard in Califon. Throughout his life, Father Hugh loved all of his parishioners and all aspects of the priesthood. However, two things stood out: his love of music and his interest in seeing the youth develop with the love of Christ as their foundation and motivation. He had a passionate, skilled, and loud singing voice, and actively supported, sponsored, and engaged in CYO (Catholic Youth Organization).
Father Hugh’s last years were spent at McAuley Hall, an assisted living facility in Watchung, NJ, run by the Sisters of Mercy. His charm, sense of humor, and smiling face warmed the hearts of the retired nuns and other residents of McAuley. As one would expect, he often led all in song, his voice booming above everyone else’s.
Father Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Hugh R. Grace and Eileen (Murray) Grace. He has no surviving relatives. However, what Father Hugh does have is hundreds of lives touched by grace, compassion, and selfless service for which he will always be remembered.
For his entire life, every time Father Hugh spoke to anyone, he would exhort them to “carry on!” After a while, people in Father Hugh’s company would start and finish conversations with this salutation. And to some he added, “Carry on! But not too much!”
To those mourning Father Hugh’s passing, and hoping to “carry on” in his memory, another of his sayings can be called to mind: “Have a good day, and make it a better day for someone else.”
Father Hugh will lie in repose on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10:30-11 a.m.
Chapel of McAuley Hall Health Care Center
1633 US 22
Watchung, NJ, 07069
Kindly follow the instructions of the Wright and Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival for parking and directions to the Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Bishop Edmund Whalen will follow the gathering at 11 a.m. in the Chapel, and all are encouraged to join together for the repose of the soul of this Disciple of Christ.
Burial will follow:
St. Magdalen Cemetery
94 N. Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
All are encouraged to visit Father Hugh’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor and memory may be made to the following via the links below:
Saint Joseph’s Somers, NY (formerly Croton Falls)
Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.