Michal Gracz, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, after a long battle with cancer,

He was born February 18, 1937 in Mogilna, Poland, to Jan Gracz and Maria Theil.

He studied medicine for three years at the Medical Academy of Poznan, Poland and in 1979, received his Master’s degree in Rehabilitation from Poznan University of Physical Education - the oldest Sports University in Poland.

He subsequently worked as a physical therapist for the Polish Olympic Team, and, as the team therapist, accompanied the Olympic Team to the games in the USSR, East Germany, Italy, North Korea. These tours allowed him to study the physical recuperation of athletes in those countries. In Poland he also served also as the supervising manager of the Physical Therapy and Biological Recuperation Department of the Sports Club Olympia.

Since arriving in the United States in 1984, Michal worked as a teacher and practitioner specializing in pain treatment and in alternative and traditional healing focused on increased joint and muscle mobility. Michal was a recognized expert in the use of both cryotherapy and laser therapy for treatment of these conditions. Amongst his clients and beneficiaries of his innovative therapeutic approaches were the UNC Women’s Soccer Team and world class athletes including Bobby Riggs, and many others.

Michal was an avid athlete: long distance swimmer, runner and sailor with national team at Flying Dutchman(dinghy) class. He enjoyed all kind of card and board games.

Michal will be forever cherished by his wife of 45 years, Hanna Gracz, his son, Maciek Gracz, his daughter, Kasia Kane and her husband Adam Kane, his granddaughters Aiyanna and Lilah Kane and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and his friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Friday, October 18th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Immediately following Mass, there will be an interment in the columbarium. Family and friends are warmly invited to the service and lunch served immediately following the service at The Stag Club of Raleigh, 8001 Ray Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maciej Nowicki Polish Architecture and Design Endowment at NCSU College of Design https://go.ncsu.edu/nowicki