Marc Gratton, 64, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Quail Haven Village in Pinehurst. Marc is the son of Therese Marie Pitre Brunette, also of Pinehurst, formerly of Southern Pines and Ontario, Canada. He is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Michael, in 2015.
Marc is survived by his mother, his brother, Richard (Kathie) of Pinehurst, his sister, Angela (Pat), Quinn of Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada; two nieces: Allanah (Sheldon) Quinn of New Zealand and Bridgid (Mike) Quinn of Smiths Falls, Canada; three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
Marc lived his life to the fullest, not letting severe and nearly lifelong disabilities deter him from selflessly serving the community he called home. Despite enormous obstacles and health challenges, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and graduated with his friends and classmates in 1977 at Pinecrest High. He continued to jump immeasurable hurdles to further his education at Sandhills Community College, where he successfully earned his associate’s Degree.
Despite numerous impairments and being wheelchair-bound his entire adulthood, Marc served (often full-time) as a volunteer at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital for nearly 20 years, where he is still remembered by many who knew him there. Upon his “retirement,” he was honored and recognized by the hospital for his unwavering dedication and an incredible total of 7,682 hours of service, which set a hospital record that few, if any, volunteers have ever matched.
Marc was also a faithful and longtime active member of Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Southern Pines where he again offered steadfast service and made many caring friends.
Marc loved and was loved by his immediate and extended family as well as his many pet companions. He and his cherished mother, Therese, had an especially close, loving relationship, each one caring greatly for and about the other. He will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends and others whose lives he touched over the years. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff that have cared for Marc, at Quail Haven Village for the past five years. Especially, want to express appreciation for the attentive care from his “Best Buddy”, Gregg, RN and Ms. Pearl, along with many others.
A memorial service, hosted by family, will be held at Quail Haven Village at a later date. For more information please contact Marc’s brother, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Marc’s honor to the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Cancer Center or UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital’s Rehabilitation Unit.
Powell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gratton family.
Condolences can be made at PinesFunerals.com.
