Frederick A. Gratton

MADISON - Beloved father, son and fiance, Frederick Gratton, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison on July 3, 2009, with family at his side. Fred was born Dec. 7, 1948, in Chicago, and grew up there developing a lifelong love of music, literature and the arts. He graduated from Carver High School in 1966 and later attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, serving as president of the Black Student Organizing Committee. Fred worked for the phone company and served in the military as an E4 Specialist during the Vietnam era, before embarking on a period of extensive travel and eclectic work experiences that left him with a wealth of stories. In the early 1980s, Fred married Daphine Washington and their sons, Isaiah and Aaron were born in Chicago. Despite their separation and subsequent divorce, Fred and Daphine remained friends as they raised their sons together. In the late 1980s, Fred worked as an actor on the Richard Gere motion picture "No Mercy," playing the character "Quiet." In 1989, Fred moved to Madison where, in 1993, he met Tracy Miller. Fred and Tracy shared a special bond. They made a home together where Isaiah and Aaron, and sometimes their younger sister, Kamilah, stayed with them in the summers. Fred above all loved music and performing, especially on the saxophone, but his interests were wide-ranging to include screenwriting, videography, history, food (what a great cook!), astrology, architecture and train travel. Fred will especially be remembered for his sense of humor. The quiet dignity and courage with which he approached his final illnesses has been an inspiration to those who love him. Fred is survived by his mother, Louise B. Gratton of Montgomery, Ala.; and his fiancee, Tracy A. Miller of Madison. Fred is also survived by his two sons, Aaron and Isaiah Gratton; and daughters, Jasmine and Alaya. He is also survived by a brother, Kelvin Gratton; sister, Lovie Jean Johnson; a niece, Detrice Johnson; nephews, Kelvin Gratton Jr., Arthur Poole and Stevie Johnson; along with many other friends and relatives in Madison, Chicago and across the country. Fred's family would like to thank the nursing staff of the Madison VA Hospital and Madison Hospice, for their work in caring for Fred and all of those in their care. A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Friday evening, Sept. 18, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison.