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JOSEPH GRAHAM Obituary
REV. JOSEPH B., on Dec. 28, 2010. Beloved son of the late Joseph B. and Lelia H. Graham; devoted brother of Rev. Msgr. James J. Graham and Maryanne Graham. Reverend clergy, religious, relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Monday, 4 P.M., followed by Mass, 7:30 P.M., and Viewing Tuesday, 9 A.M., followed by Funeral Mass, 11 A.M., at St. Jerome Church, Holme Ave. and Stamford St., Phila. PA 19136. Int. Calvary Cem. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the above named Church would be appreciated.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH GRAHAM
Grateful student
April 17, 2024
Many years after Father Graham´s passing and out of nowhere thoughts of him and his Thursday classes randomly popped into my head tonight. I wasn´t sure the exact date he passed so I searched his name and luckily stumbled upon this legacy page. It was wonderful to read all the comments about how he selflessly helped and served his parishioners. I was very fortunate to attend St. Jerome´s while he was the pastor. He always helped my family when we needed it. He was truly kind hearted and genuinely wanted to instill the teachings of Jesus into the hearts and souls of his students. He also believed in me and thought I was this great intellect. Even though I wasn´t I did my best to live up to his faith in me and it made me become a better person. It goes to show you how powerful the father figure can be to a young man. I was fortunate to also have one of the greatest and most self less men to ever live as my dad as well. I feel truly blessed to have had such strong male role models in my life and will do my best to pass on the teachings of Father Graham to my two sons. Soul Speed
Michael Alfonsi
January 8, 2011
Another entry in this book, by Lou Esola, shares my feelings, too, as I was also one of those teenagers he helped & befriended....the wonderful people of St. Jerome's, you had the best pastor, and you were so blessed to have him -- and we know that -- because we at St. Monica's knew this wonderful priest in the very same way, and he was the very same way to us as he was to you, for us, it was back in the early 70s -- gracious, talented, generous -- oh so generous -- and he practiced an authentic spirituality that the pompous and pretentious could never understand -- for his whole life did nothing but genuinely point toward God, served God, and pointed others toward God. A lifetime of service, and a model priest. Father Graham, we will always love you and forever remember you.
Jason McAteer
January 7, 2011
He always was there for me he was one of my good friends. I worked for him as a sexton. I will miss him so much. He is always in my prayers.
James O'Driscoll
January 6, 2011
Father,
Thankyou for giving me the opportunity to work for you at St.Jerome's. You always had time to help me develop my interests in construction & electrical installation. I am reminded of the valuable knowledge you gave me on the job everyday. I can never thankyou enough for your generousity and being the true friend and mentor that you were. It was an honor to have known you Father. Rest in peace.
January 6, 2011
Father,
You were a true servant . My family and our entire parish family will miss you greatly. You were the most generous man. Assiting my family in a time of need. I will never forget your kindness. You work is done . Rest in peace.
January 5, 2011
Our family left St Jerome's Parish in 1994. Our 4 years with Father Graham were quite memorable and it was very sad to hear of his passing. Father Graham was a great person and mentor to the people of St Jerome Parish
-The Kilpatrick Family
Karen Matthews
January 4, 2011
We will always be grateful for your kindness to our children, Eric Kurzenberger and Allison. You will always be a happy presence and a fond memory in our home, through the many photos that hang on our wall and the stories still to be told. Rest now for your work is done and let us carry on as you taught us. Karen & Jerry Matthews
January 4, 2011
Our heartfelt condolenses to Fr. Graham's brother and sister. Our memories are so numerous, it's difficult to find just one. As I was walking over to Church on Monday night I thought to myself, whenever our Parish suffered a loss, it was always Fr. Graham who did all the planning. But what keeps coming to mind is that Father was one of God's best priests and we at St. Jerome's were so blessed that we were chosen to be his parish for so long. He did so much, especially for the children. Rest in peace now, Father. We will miss you terribly. Your absence will be palpable.
The Altomari Family
Bernadette McCloskey
January 4, 2011
Indeed, Fr. Graham was truly a shepherd who loved his sheep. We were recipients of his kindness and endless generosity on many occasions. We are blessed that he was a part of our lives. Thank you, Fr. Graham, for being you. You will be missed! Our condolences to the Graham family and to the St. Jerome family.
With deepest respect, The McCloskey family
DEACON CHARLIE
January 3, 2011
WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY OUR PARISH AND I BELIEVE HE WAS A MAN OF OUR TIME. BEING HIS DEACON FOR THE LAST 18YRS, I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE HIM AS MY PASTOR. GOD WILL BLESS HIM FOR ALL THE GOOD THINGS HE HAS DONE FOR OUR PARISH
January 3, 2011
The Savage Family would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother, Msgr. Graham. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with you and your sister.
Mary Ann and Bob Savage and Family.
Joyce Family
January 3, 2011
Our deepest condolences to all of Fr. Graham's family and friends. Two years ago my mother and mother-in-law both passed away within three and a half months of each other and Fr. Graham celebrated both of their masses. We will never forget his kind and consoling words that brought us great comfort at a very difficult time. Fr. Graham was a wonderful pastor and friend. We will never forget you.
January 3, 2011
So many wonderful memories. You were a true role model for so many of our parish youth over the years. We will miss you. Rest in peace.
The Henfey family.
The McAdams Family
January 3, 2011
R.I.P Father Graham. Thank you for all you did for us. You will be missed!
January 3, 2011
Rest in peace Father Graham. You will be missed. Thank you for all you did for our parish.
The Cruz~Dudley Family: Diana, Amanda & Zachary
James Richardson
January 3, 2011
I feel upset to think that the next generation of chrildren passing through St. Jerome will not be guided by Fr. Graham's leadership. Father was a great man always willing to work with you in everything you needed. For myself ,and i think for alot of the young men and women that had him as a part of our childhood , I would hope that father is now happy and safe with the lord.
Bethanne Carr
January 3, 2011
Rest in peace, Father Graham. You have touched so many lives and will live on in our hearts and souls. Many second graders will long remember the phone call from heaven on their First Communion Day.
Rudy Lucente
January 3, 2011
A committed spiritual leader, model priest, and very kind gentleman.
Carin Vena
January 3, 2011
Fr. Graham was a wonderful leader and so involved in every aspect that he could be. My oldest two children (12 and 9) always came home from school with stories. They have both asked to attend his funeral tomorrow. My husband and I always enjoyed his stories and his jokes. It is hard to imagine St. Jerome's without Fr. Graham. RIP, Fr. Graham.
The Venas- Matt, Carin, Timothy, Lindsay, & Alexander
Bryan Werner
January 3, 2011
All of the staff and students at Holy Cross Catholic School send their prayers to St. Jerome parish and Father Grahams' family.
Joseph Giannetti
January 3, 2011
I am proud to have had the privilege of serving with Father Graham at many masses first as an altar server and later as a lector. Father was a part of my life since grade school and I will always remember when he announced my upcoming wedding during his homily last year, much to my surprise and embarrassment. I was honored that he insisted upon attending the ceremony and reception despite his ailments. Father Graham was always an exemplar of the Christian life and virtue. A mentor to all the students of the school. A man of knowledge and a man of faith. Godspeed Father!
Lou Esola
January 2, 2011
My fond thoughts of this wonderful priest go back to St. Monica Church, 1971 and the great fire that destroyer our church. He was a talented, resourceful leader and and taught us parish teenagers the basics of carpentry and then directed us in applying those skills to building a temporary altar for Mass. Only one of many wonderful memories. Thank you Fr. Graham. May God bless you.
Jeanne Benkert
January 2, 2011
Rev. Joseph Graham-- priest, pastor, employer, teacher, actor, role model, friend. He wore so many hats in the St. Jerome community, and wore them all well. He was a great example of a peoples' priest. I will remember his leadership, his witty sense of humor, intelligence, acting & directing talents, cooking & gardening expertise. But most of all, I will remember his kindness & generosity (often unknown) to his faculty & students, his parishioners, the actors of the many high school plays he was involved with, and especially to me & my daughters & son. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, & staff.
I am honored to have known you, Fr. Graham, and I thank you for being a part of my life. You fought the good fight; you finished the race. Now enjoy your eternal reward in heaven. I will miss you, my friend.
Donna Clopp
January 2, 2011
Father Graham, shepherd, pastor, confessor, boss, chef. You showed what a holy leader is and stepped back to watch our children lead. You truly brought Jesus to us. We thank our God for you. I love you and miss you.~
REGINA PRICE
January 2, 2011
I heard today that Fr GRAHAM Passed away. He was the heart and soul of ST. Jerome Parish. It was a pleasure working for him as a substitute in his school. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Donofry
January 2, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kathleen Fehrle
January 2, 2011
Fr Graham was a wonderful addition to the Father Judge Theatre. I know all alumni will miss him dearly and think of him often. Thank you Fr Graham for all your talent and patience.
Ann/Ed DiMaio
January 2, 2011
Father Graham a good priest and pastor truly respected by many in the church. You will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to his sister, brother and everyone in his religious family.
January 2, 2011
It is hard to think of Saint Jerome without thinking of Father Graham. He was more generous and caring then most people will ever know. He lived the gospel he preached. Well done boss. Love you and will miss you greatly.
Sharon Nendza
John Holmes
January 1, 2011
Father Joesph Graham was a Fantastic Man,who was a Priest Priest, our Pastor and a TRUE Friend,Father I will miss you and your sense of humor,You taught us so much, Thanks for allowing me to be part of your life,God Bless and keep you,
Elaine McDowell
January 1, 2011
Expressing my condolences to the family and friends of Fr. Graham as well as the school and parish community of St. Jerome. My husband had the pleasure of working side by side with Father as an administrator of such a fine school with dedicated teachers, faith-filled families, and hard-working students. Fr. Graham was a living example of insight, forward-thinking, faith, and hope in a pastor who truly lived to shepherd his people. I have no doubt the two of them are sharing some stories right now. Rest in peace, Father. You have graced St. Jerome with your presence.
Anne Marie Adair
January 1, 2011
Rest in peace Fr Graham.
Anne & Anne Marie Adair
January 1, 2011
A wonderful priest who did so much for St. Jerome's parish. I am glad that we got to say goodbye before we moved. We are sure that he is in Heaven and that God is saying "well done, good and faithful servant".
Mike and Kathy Buchheit
Alice McGee
January 1, 2011
A good priest and a kind man.
You will be missed.
Linda Anastasi
January 1, 2011
Father Joseph Graham
A humble pure role model and example of true Christianity which was perfected in the life of a strong leader we can only strive to become. He taught us all what it means to live the life of a saint and be a true follower of Christ's law of love. May the children remember all he did for them and his great legacy as we adults.
January 1, 2011
Father Graham was raised in Fox Chase on Benson St. Both of us walked to Grammar School. We both Graduated from St Cecilia in 1949. The Catholic High School at that time was Northeast Catholic High. After graduating from North, Joe went into the Priesthood. The last time we saw each other along with other Fox Chase Buddies. Father Joe came to Jacks marina in Bensalem. One of the guys had a nice size boat. We took Joe to Penns landing. Im guessing about 10 years ago. Gonna miss you Joe. Rich Ervin
December 31, 2010
Father Graham you will be missed. Rest in peace.
H. Baker
Gary
December 31, 2010
Thanks for all you did for our school and parish. You will be missed.
December 31, 2010
Father Graham was a dedicated, wonderful, pastor and he will be missed greatly by the St. Jerome community. Thank you for all you've done for us!! We love you, Father Graham.
Kevin & Maripat McNamara
December 31, 2010
Thank you for always being there for the children, faculty and staff. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Father Graham.
Cindy and C.J.
Dennis Kennedy
December 31, 2010
Father Graham was a true friend. He did only for others, and asked for nothing in return. I owe more to him than I could ever repay. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Lisa Abbott
December 31, 2010
Rest in Peace Father.
The Abbotts: Lisa, Dan, Alyssa & Kyle
December 31, 2010
We love you Father Graham! You will be missed dearly by the Parish Community, but most of all by the Faculty/Staff and children of St. Jerome's. Thank you for all you have done for us, we will remember you always!
December 31, 2010
Rest in peace Father Graham. You will certainly be missed. Thanks for all you did for our parish.
The Vizuete Family
Gonzalo, Pat and Andrew
December 31, 2010
Father Joseph Graham, a good priest, and I am sure that is how he would wish to be remembered.
Frank Dinan
December 31, 2010
A tremendous loss for our parish - Fr. Graham was a dedicated servant to our spiritual well being and our sense of community - We will miss you greatly !
The Stott's - MaryLou & Bob,
Kate, Jim & Bob
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