Col. Ernest J. Graustein

  Col. Ernest J. Graustein born October 7, 1924 in Cambridge MA, passed away on August 24, 2019. He was the husband of Helen (King) Graustein of 71 years. He leaves 6 children: Robert of Barrington, Diane Hutton and her husband Gordon of Barrington, Karen Power of Warwick, Greg and his wife Dee of Barrington and the late Richard and wife Grace and  Stephen. He also leave 10 grandchildren and 9 great grand children.

He graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Boston College. He was commissioned in 1944 in the US Marine Corp. He served in the Pacific Theater during World WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart. He participated in the invasion of Okinawa.  He also served in the Korean War. Among his other decorations are the Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Organized Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He served as Military Attachee’ for RI  Governor Joseph J. Garrahy. He served 42 years of military service, retiring as a Colonel.

He worked as a District Manager for 34 years at New England Telephone Co. Upon retiring from the phone company he headed the Taxation Division at the RI DMV.

He was a avid golfer and sports enthusiast, including Boston College, Bruins, Red Sox and PGA.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 4-7:00 PM in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 30, 2019 at 10:00 AM in Saint Alexander's Church, 221 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885. Burial with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Wampanoag Trail, East Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernest's name can be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street # 200, Providence, RI 02908.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Col. Ernest J. Graustein, please visit our floral store.