August "Gus" Graziano was born in Portland, Oregon and named after his mother's father, Agostino Zuccaro (Dec. 26, 1857 - Feb. 9, 1923). Gus was baptized at the church of St. Phillip Neri in Portland, Oregon. The family later relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Gus graduated from Minneapolis' North High School in 1936.
Gus enlisted in the U. S. Army during WWII, serving his country for four years in the field artillery, crossing Europe from Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge before returning home at the war's end. Gus earned the rank of Corporal and was an accomplished boxer, winning the distinction of Armed Forces Boxing Champion.
Gus married Lorraine "Toody" Weidner at the Church of Saint Stephens in south Minneapolis on June 5, 1946. Their marriage was officiated by Fr. Donald Eichinger, who had been transferred from the Basilica of St. Mary to St. Stephens Parish and installed as pastor. Gus' brother, Richard Graziano, and Jerry Piazza were the altar boys for Gus and Toody's wedding ceremony. Gus and Toody remained happily married for 54 years until Toody sadly passed away in 2000. Together, they loved many canine companions.
Working as a Minneapolis letter carrier in the U.S. Postal Service, Gus retired after decades of USPS service and he and Toody moved to Sun City, Arizona -- the perfect place for avid golfer, Gus!
Gus was preceded in death by his dear wife Toody, parents, John and Maria Graziano, brothers Vincenzo, John, and Anthony, and sisters Vincenza and Jennie. Gus left to cherish his memory two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. May you rest in heavenly peace, Gus. ❤
August "Gus" Graziano was born in Portland, Oregon and named after his mother's father, Agostino Zuccaro (Dec. 26, 1857 - Feb. 9, 1923). Gus was baptized at the church of St. Phillip Neri in Portland, Oregon. The family later relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Gus graduated from Minneapolis' North High School in 1936.
Gus enlisted in the U. S. Army during WWII, serving his country for four years in the field artillery, crossing Europe from Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge before returning home at the war's end. Gus earned the rank of Corporal and was an accomplished boxer, winning the distinction of Armed Forces Boxing Champion.
Gus married Lorraine "Toody" Weidner at the Church of Saint Stephens in south Minneapolis on June 5, 1946. Their marriage was officiated by Fr. Donald Eichinger, who had been transferred from the Basilica of St. Mary to St. Stephens Parish and installed as pastor. Gus' brother, Richard Graziano, and Jerry Piazza were the altar boys for Gus and Toody's wedding ceremony. Gus and Toody remained happily married for 54 years until Toody sadly passed away in 2000. Together, they loved many canine companions.
Working as a Minneapolis letter carrier in the U.S. Postal Service, Gus retired after decades of USPS service and he and Toody moved to Sun City, Arizona -- the perfect place for avid golfer, Gus!
Gus was preceded in death by his dear wife Toody, parents, John and Maria Graziano, brothers Vincenzo, John, and Anthony, and sisters Vincenza and Jennie. Gus left to cherish his memory two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. May you rest in heavenly peace, Gus. ❤
Inscription
CPL
US Army
World War II
Loving son and husband
Gravesite Details
Gus and his beloved wife Toody are buried together at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two of Gus' brothers, James and Anthony Graziano (and sister-in-law Anne Graziano), are also buried at Ft. Snelling.
Family Members
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Vincenzo "Vincent" Graziano
1910–1911
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Margaret Marie Graziano Hecker
1912–2015
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Vincenza "Jenny" Graziano
1915–1916
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James John "Jimmy" Graziano
1916–2015
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John Paul "Johnny" Graziano
1921–2004
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Anthony Joseph "Tony" Graziano
1922–2011
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Jennie Josephine Graziano
1925–1925
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Richard Joseph "Dick" Graziano
1931–2021
