Robert E. Graf

Robert E. Graf, 79, of Holden, died on Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home after an illness, comfortably and at peace with those whom he loved and who loved him.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, Helen C. (Murray) Graf; two sons, Kenneth M. Graf and his wife Beth of Manchester, NH, James R. Graf and his wife Angelita of Kapolei, Hawaii; and a daughter, Donna L. Graf-Parsons and her husband John of Paxton. He was predeceased by his son, Gary E. Graf of Litchfield, NH, and a brother, Edward Graf of Angola, NY. He was very proud of his 10 grandchildren, Karen, Brian, Sharyn, Andrew, Ryan, Stephen, Amanda, Amie, Christopher and Jonathan. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Lori Graf, a sister-in-law, Florence Graf, two nieces, Patricia Wright and Debra Hohl and a nephew, David Graf.

Robert was born on September 5, 1928 in Buffalo, NY to Nora (Malone) and Herman Graf. After living in several different states he settled in Holden where he has resided for the past 32 years. Robert spent his career in the wholesale and retail grocery business. He owned and operated several grocery stores and a Carvel Ice Cream Store.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, and also served two years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of the John E. Harkins American Legion Post 42 in Holden and a longtime member of St. Mary's Church.

A memorial Mass for Robert will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30th, in St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the VNA Care Network, Rose Monahan Home, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608; or to the St. Jude at Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is directing arrangements.

www.milesfuneralhome.com