John Francis Grauer

John Francis Grauer, Jr., 94, of 41 Garfield Street, Newport, RI, died Saturday, January 26, 2008 at John Clarke Health Care Center, Middletown, RI. Born in Manchester, New Hampshire on November 1, 1913, he was the son of the late John F. and Rose McCann Grauer.John was a 1932 graduate of Rogers High School and a 1941 graduate of RISD. John was well known as the haberdasher of Broadway Toggery, a clothing store across the street from City Hall, fitting Newport's finest. He could often be seen standing in front of the store, greeting passersby. John was an Army veteran of World War 2, a former baseball player with the Sunset League, and an avid ballroom dancer. His greatest passion was painting. While a student at RISD, he had the distinction of winning a school portraiture award and having a painting selected for exhibit in the US Capitol building. John was a longtime member of the Newport Art Association and had several of his works exhibited there over the years. He is survived by 14 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his siblings, brothers William and Louis C.J. Grauer, and sisters Eugenia Roy, Helen Newman, and Rosemary Nardolillo.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 29, at 10:00 am in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, January 29 from 9:00-10:00am in the Memorial Funeral Home.Memorial donations may be made to Newport Art Association Annual Fund, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 02840.