Eugene E. Graze, age 84, died peacefully on January 23 at Bridgeport Hospital. Born on June 30, 1930 in Bridgeport, he is the son of the late Eugene E. and Marion E.(Barnish) Graze. He is survived by two brothers, Robert L. Graze and his wife, Sharon, of Easton and Thomas J. Graze of West Haven; two nieces, Wendy Graze of Ruskin, Florida and Cindy (Graze) Tortora and her husband, Michael, and their children Payton and Charlie, of Newtown, CT; and several cousins including Margaret Barnish of Stratford. A graduate of Harding High School (1948) and the University of Bridgeport (1952), he was a lifelong resident of Bridgeport. Gene began his second career as a substitute teacher at Harding and later served as an In-School Suspension Administrator for almost 20 years. He also supervised the ticketing of sporting events for the Harding Athletic Department. Prior to becoming an educator, Gene had a long and distinguished career with the Connecticut Army National Guard. He joined as a private, graduated from Officer Candidate School and retired as a Major following 23 years of service. He was the full-time Commanding Officer of the Nike/Ajax Guided Missile site in Westport and his unit was recognized as the Outstanding Missile Battery in the State under his leadership. During that time the Westport missile site was the focus of the book and 1958 film, "Rally Round the Flag, Boys!" starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. He later served as Commander of the Nike/Hercules Missile site in Ansonia, CT. Gene was an avid Civil War buff and was a member of numerous historical societies and military organizations. An amateur pilot, he enjoyed travelling both domestically and abroad and visited many foreign countries. Sincere gratitude is extended to the doctors especially David Morris, MD and Jonathan Moayyad, MD and the nurses on the ninth floor MICU/CCU unit for their exceptional care and compassion. Also to Rev. Bruce Roby of St. James Church for his spiritual inspiration. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on THURSDAY, January 29 at 10:30 am at St. James Church, 2110 Main Street, Stratford.(CHANGED DUE TO STORM) Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery. Friends and family members may call on Monday, January 26 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm(Changed)at the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford.