Marc A Gratton

marc gratton

March 14, 1959 ~ August 3, 2023

Born in: Cornwall, Canada
Resided in: Pinehurst, NC

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. Please contact Marc’s brother, Richard, if you have any questions. 

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.

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Marc A Gratton 's name.

Moore Regional Hospital Cancer Center

P.O. Box 3000

Pinehurst,

NC

(910) 695-7500

www.firsthealth.org

UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital Rehab Unit

P.O. Box 309

Chapel Hill,

NC

919-843-6714

giving.unc.edu

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Marc you will be missed by so many people and loved by hundreds more. Marc you never let your disability get you down. I will miss you Kiddo.<3

  2. I had the pleasure of meeting Marc when he underwent surgery in the late 1970’s. I was his nurse for many days. His family was devoted to him but he was an independent spirit and wanted to do all on his own. Many years passed and when he returned to Firsthealth as a volunteer he remembered our past and even remembered my name. He definitely was one of a kind. I am sorry for the family’s loss. God bless you all and know that Marc was very positive presence in all he touched

  3. I went to high school with Marc and we became good friends. I remember well his decision to delay surgery so he could graduate with his classmates and participate in the graduation ritual of going to Myrtle Beach. He had a blast during that beach trip, literally, as he was the last man standing during several rounds of bottle rocket battles. He swore all of us to secrecy to keep Therese from finding out about his antics! Marc was extremely smart and gifted academically to the extent that his studies seem to come easy for him. He would often pick on us academic mortals with his wicked sense of humor. In a way Marc was wise beyond his years. He knew the risks of his upcoming surgery and how it could forever alter his life, and yet, he approached it with his usual nonchalant demeanor and positive nature. I was honored to be his friend and regret losing touch with him (and Therese) as our lives moved in different directions over the years. I was saddened to learn of his passing, but after reading his obituary it became apparent that despite his hardships, Marc certainly seemed to lead a fulfilling life that inspired and touched others in many ways. There is a lesson there for all of us and I hope Therese and the family find solace and strength during this difficult time.


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