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Walter Graham Obituary
GRAHAM, WALTER JOSEPH 71, - of Waretown, on August 17, 2008, Beloved and devoted husband of 48 years to Lorna (nee Ringler). Incredible father of Jodi Parker (Scott) of Medford; Doug Graham (Beth) of Knoxville, TN; Robyn Graham (Vincent Alexander) of Medford Lakes; and Brendan Graham (Vikki) of Manahawkin. Fun-loving and energetic grandfather of Joseph, Katelyn, Patrick, Michael, Jake, Sonny, Marlyn, and Brendan. Dear brother of Linda Martino (Larry) of Northfield. Despite achieving great success with the pharmaceutical firm Smith-Kline Beecham, from which he retired in 1997 as Vice President of Sales-US, Walt always put his family first. Born in Philadelphia, his god given talents landed him as a featured performer on Paul Whiteman's TV Teen Club. His hardworking parents, Walter William and Anna Mead Graham, wanted him to get his education before he became a star. He graduated from Frankford High School in 1955. His athletic prowess afforded him a full scholarship to Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Despite an in-jury during his freshman year which sidelined him, he went on to graduate with academic honors in 1959. Walt was a true renaissance man, with a deep and genuine love of history, literature, music, and the performing arts in addition to football, baseball, and all sports. One of his grea joys was giving everything he could spare to those less fortunate. In his retirement, he loved golfing with Lorna (or just about anything else with her) and had a hidden talent for bacce ball. He will be profoundly missed by all those that knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 23, at 2pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 499 Rt. 70 E. Cherry Hill, 08034-2462. In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions in his memory may be made to The Walt Graham Memorial Fund, c/o Trinity Presbyterian Church at the above address. Arr. by the Schetter Funeral Home of Cherry Hill.
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Graham
Mike Peluse (SK&F '68-'00)
August 15, 2021
At meetings everyone enjoyed his rendition of "My Way" on the piano and you better be drinking Bud around Walt as he had no love for "designer beers". Knew him for 32 years and he was always a class act and a real gentleman. Best to Lorna (remember the Feosol Stan Newman had me drop off?) and the family.
Mike Peluse
August 14, 2020
Walt used to say he loved a Bud, didn’t drink any of those “designer” beers. Played a nice piano at old SK&F meetings. I first met him when he was Ornade product manager and I was SK&F rep in South Jersey.Good guy right from start!
Edith Ludlam
October 14, 2008
Lorna,
We were so sorry to hear about Walter's passing. John and I have always looked forward to seeing the two of you prior to concerts. Those good times will not be forgotten. Our prayers are with you.
Edie Ludlam
Sue Steel
August 28, 2008
Twenty years ago Walt Graham entered my sales training class with a brilliant smile. He spoke highly of SmithKline and conveyed his confidence in the new trainees. More importantly, Walt spoke about the importance of family and placing family above all. What a wonderful wise man. We miss him. I pray your family will be comforted in this difficult time.
Warm Regards, Sue
Vaughn Dawson
August 28, 2008
Walt will be missed. I have often thought about him over the past 10 years. My sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
HOWARD WILL
August 27, 2008
Lorna: My love to you and your family. Words cannot express my sadness.
Wanda and Bill Bradley
August 26, 2008
To the Graham family.We were saddened to hear about Walt's passing. Our prayers are with you.
Walt and I were born on the same day, the same year, and in the same city.I had the privilege of working at Smith Kline with Walt for many years. He was the "BEST of THE BEST".
Kate Purdy
August 26, 2008
Dear Lorna and family, my heartfelt condolences to you and yours. I'm out of town and it was a great shock to learn of Walt's passing. He will always be remembered by anyone who met him. He was a true gentleman in all phases of his life. I remember him as the Trivia King. If you wanted to know anything you asked Walt. My prayers are with you and all of your wonderful family.
Norm and Debbie Penrice
August 25, 2008
Dear Lorna and family, I was out of town last week and was shocked when I returned to hear the news of Walt's passing. Walt was a big part of my career at GSK and a good friend as well. I know over time we've lost touch, but Walt will always be remembered by me as a great leader and a nice person. May God be with you during these difficult times.
Marge and George Purdy
August 23, 2008
To Lorna and Family--Some people just "stand out" in life, and Walt was one of those people. As classmates of his at Frankford High School, it was clear, even then, he would be a leader in life. He always had a smile and hello for everyone.
It was so nice to chat with him at our 50th High School reunion. To hear he is no longer with us was, indeed, a shock.
May your memories bring you comfort now and Peace in the days ahead. Blessings to all of you.
Tina & Fred Geer
August 22, 2008
Dearest Lorna & Family: We were saddened to hear the news of Walt's passing. Please know you will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Lorna, Walt was such a wonderful man and remember his visits during our bowling, bunco and Newcomer activities over the years. Always smiliing and always pleasant. He will be missed greatly and feel very lucky to have known him. Sincerely, Tina & Fred Geer
Megan Dotterer
August 22, 2008
To the Graham family- my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I truly respected him as a kind and compassionate leader at SmithKline. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Peter
August 22, 2008
Lorna and family, I hope you find some comfort in knowing you are all in the prayers of many friends during this difficult time. Walt did so much for so many, that it's difficult to find the right words. God bless you all.
Mitch and June Abramson
August 22, 2008
Lorna and Family,
Words cannot possibly express the deep sadness and sense of loss we share with you. Walt was truly a remarkable man who touched so many lives and helped make this world a better place. We feel blessed for having known him these many years. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this most difficult time.
Bob Patterson
August 21, 2008
Lorna & family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Walt was a great classmate at Frankford High and always a gentleman. Our deepest sympathy in your great loss.
Mike Peluse
August 21, 2008
I was fortunate enough to know Walt as a true GENTLEMAN in all the sense of the word during my 32 years with SK&F. Our condolences are with the entrie Graham family and friends.
Jim Russo and Lee Pickett
August 21, 2008
We knew Walt as colleagues at SmithKline, where he always championed our taking the high road and celebrated every friendship. Walt never bragged or criticized. He led by example and made every life he touched aim higher. The world has too few Walt Grahams, and is a poorer place without him.
Tom & Sue Hogan
August 21, 2008
Lorna and Family. Our hearts are filled with sadness to hear of Walt's death. Such a wonderful man! We hope that it will give you some consolation to know that we, along with so many others, send our love and prayers to all of you at this terrible time.
Jim & Mary Ellen Johnson
August 21, 2008
Walts' Family,
Our sympathy to the entire family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Walt was one of the best at SK and an exampe we could all live up to and follow. He will be so missed.
Barbara & Gerry, Justin and Brandon Mead
August 21, 2008
To all of our family, we all want you to know that we know your pain and that we are all here for you. If you need to talk or yell we are here. You father was a loved man and will be deeply missed. You'll be in our prayers. Love you all, Gerry,Barbara, Justin and Brandon Mead
The Findling Family
August 21, 2008
Our deepest sympathies are with the Graham family. You will be in our thougts and prayers.
Dick and Pat Bagley
August 21, 2008
Dear Lorna,
It may be small consolation, but Walt has left the world a better place. Too many years have passed since our SK&F days, but we continue to think of Walt with the smile he enabled in all of us. He was the real deal.
Sandra Weatherly
August 21, 2008
Walt is one of the few folks you meet in life who possess class, success, and kindness. I respect him and admire him, and have tried to model my GSK life after the benchmarks that Walt left for us!
Jim & Barbara Pfau
August 21, 2008
Lorna & family:
You and your family are in our prayers. Words are never enough to console at times like these. Walt was a good friend as well as a wonderful boss. He was the most ethical and honest person I encountered in my many years in pharma.
Mary Jane Wilkins
August 21, 2008
My sincere condolences to the family. I met Walt in Michigan while working for SmithKline Beecham. He came to one of our meetings and during dinner one night actually got out on the dance floor and had some fun. I had great respect for his leadership and genuine interest in our lives. He will be missed.
Josie Matos
August 21, 2008
What a great leader. Fun, loving, compassionate all the time. Always had a smile on his face when you saw him and what an entertainer! Lorna, he touched many lives, including mine. He will be missed!
Charles Dallas
August 20, 2008
One of the really nice guys you meet in your life time. Walt was a real friend when playing football together at Frankford. While in high school he never brought up or acted on his fame from the TV Teen Club. We all knew about it but that's where it stayed. I am very sorry for you and your families loss.
Elizabeth Engelhardt
August 20, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Lorna and the family on the loss of this wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I was a classmate of his in High School and treasure the memory of singing a duet with him in one of the shows. He had so much talent, musically and on the football team. May your wonderful memories of him be a source of great comfort at this sad time.
Hugo and Elizabeth (Kammerle) Engelhardt
Richard Cottone
August 20, 2008
Condolences from the Cottone family. We grew accustomed to a friendly hello from Walt (and Lorna) "on our way to the beach,"
and will certainly miss your kind husband and father. Another icon of Haven Beach has passed but our memories sustain us. God Bless!
J. Stewart Kreiss
August 20, 2008
It is with a measure of deep sadness that I have received word of the passing of FHS classmate, Walt Graham. We shared many classes, and often I made myself hoarse cheering at football games as he performed amazingly on the field. We had something in common in that we were singers - he a crooner, me a boy soprano in the a cappella choir. How often in high school I wanted to be the crooner! I feel blessed that we had a warm conversation at our recent 50th Class Reunion, permitting us to catch-up on things. An accounting of his personal and business life speaks volumes of his goodness as a Christian gentleman. I pray that a real sense of God's abiding presence will be experienced by his family and friends as they remember and celebrate his life on August 23rd. No. 15 will be missed.
Kathleen (Kim Biehler) and Joe D'Alessandro
August 20, 2008
Lorna and Family,
Walt was a beautiful person inside and out. He always had a smile on his face, a funny story to tell, and a song to play on the piano. Our years at SK&F were the best, with Walt & Roger heading up our Sales & Marketing family. We feel very fortunate to have known him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Kathleen & Joe D'Alessandro
Kathy Lieberman
August 20, 2008
I learned so much from Walt and was so very privileged to have worked for him and with him. He was a very special person who truly knew how to prioritize what was important in his life. Lorna, Doug, and the rest of the Graham extended family . . . my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. Walt’s passing leaves a huge void in the universe.
Lou and Cis Pace
August 20, 2008
Lorna,
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Mary Morreale
August 20, 2008
My condolences to the entire Graham family in this time of loss. You are all in my prayers.
God Bless you all.
Ted & Lynn Lyszkowski
August 20, 2008
Lorna:
Lynn and I were shocked to hear the sad news about Walt. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
I have nothing but fond memories of Walt. You get to know the character and integrity of a person playing football and baseball with him for three years and Walt excelled in both of those attributes.
When I think of Walt, I still see him running a deep pattern and catching a TD pass. Walt also excelled in running our reverse plays which usually went for a TD. Walt ran so fast no one could catch him.
Memories allow us to be forever young and to relive the best of times of our lives. Memories also make it easier for us to go forward.
Take care and our prayers are with you and your family.
John and Carol Graham
August 20, 2008
When we received the phone call from Robyn we were in shock. The words that could be written here would never do Sonny's legacy justice. But there was always one constant...whenever you were in his company, his warmth and compassion made you feel loved. God bless his memory and our love and sympathy go out to the family.
Richard Bullock
August 20, 2008
I will always remember Walt as a great competitor, good guy, and great teammate in football and baseball at Frankford High. I am sorry I did not get more time with him after we left Frankford. It was good to get reacquainted at our 50th team reunion... at which time I never expected to learn of Walt's passing so soon after seeing him in the best of health. It is a real shock and I extend my condolences and prayers to Lorna and his family.
Sincerely,
Ellen B Wilcox
August 20, 2008
Such a shock! A wonderful guy, and I have have many delightful memories of our high school days together! We shared activites, classes and school service projects! My deepest sympathies to Lorna and all the family members. With love and a BIG hug, Ellen (Buchanan) Wilcox
Bob Gittings
August 20, 2008
Condolences are extended to the entire Graham family in this time of loss and remembrances. Personally, I will always remember Walt as a boss who cared very much about those who worked with and for him.. He will be missed by many.
Joni-Jean C. Marchio
August 20, 2008
His greatest legacy is his family, filled with beautiful, talented and loving people who enrich the lives of each other and many others. His spirit is alive in all of his children and grandchildren.
Jim Geddes
August 20, 2008
Lorna Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim & Cathy Geddes
JANIE CUSTER(EMERY)
August 20, 2008
ON BEHALF OF THE EMERY FAMILY, PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
SONNY WAS LIKE ANOTHER SON AND BROTHER TO OUR FAMILY AND WE WILL MISS HIM.
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