George R. Graves

George R. Graves, age 84, of Fairhaven, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Alden Court following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was the loving husband of Joan Crompton Graves with whom they shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Weehawken, NJ, the son of the late Wilfred H. and Marion (Hiller) Graves, he had resided in Fairhaven for most of his life.

A 1950 graduate of Fairhaven High School, he was a member of the basketball team which won the 1950 Massachusetts State Class B Championship and the New England Championship finishing with a perfect 25-0 record. He served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War.

Mr. Graves had a successful career in banking with Fairhaven Savings Bank which later became Citizens Bank. He retired in 1994 as Vice President after 38 years of service. In 1990 he received the Award for Distinguished Community Service from the Massachusetts Bankers Association.

George just loved his home town of Fairhaven. He served on the School Committee, four years as Chairman. Throughout his life he was actively involved in dozens of community organizations many as founder, treasurer and coordinator. He enjoyed coaching youth basketball and baseball for many years.

In 1984 George and his wife Joan founded the Nemasket Group in Fairhaven for their son David and others with developmental disabilities. George remained active as chairman of the board of directors for over 30 years. Today the organization continues to thrive serving over 400 adults, children and families throughout the Greater New Bedford area. In 1985 George and Joan received the Distinguished Citizens Award at the State House in Boston for their work associated with the Nemasket Group.

George was an active member of Cornerstone Community Church in Lakeville, formerly Mullein Hill Baptist Church. He was instrumental in leading the committee which constructed the new church building.

George enjoyed summers at his cottage on Wilbur Point where he loved boating, fishing and spending time with his family. He loved playing and watching all sports. He was especially fond of the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots but no team was closer to his heart than any team from Fairhaven High School.

His family would like to thank the staff at Alden Court for their wonderful care and compassion.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, George Robert Graves Jr. and wife Caitie of Sandwich, Lee Ann Wood of Fairhaven, Nancy Foley of Lititz, PA, Philip F. Graves and wife Sheri of Mt. Joy, PA and John W. Graves and wife Mary of North Easton; a sister-in-law, Betty Graves of Falmouth, ME; seventeen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the father of the late David W. Graves, and brother of the late Dr. Donald H. Graves.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 4-8pm in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10am in Cornerstone Community Church, 111 Highland Rd. in Lakeville. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nemasket Group, 109 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739 or the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

For tributes and online registration: www.waring-sullivan.com