Barry Graves

Barry Graves

AGE: 53 • Neptune

Special Agent Barry Graves, 53, of Neptune died suddenly on August 23, 2017 due to heart related conditions. He lived the first eight months of his life in Brooklyn, NY but later moved to Philadelphia which he claims as his hometown. He was educated in Philadelphia public schools and later attended Jersey City University and Farleigh Dickinson University where he received his Master's Degree in Administrative Sciences.

In 1981 Barry met LaVerne Yates during his senior year at Olney High School in Philadelphia, PA. The pair had a 36 year relationship that began as high school sweethearts and grew into lifelong love.

Barry Graves was a Marine, who proudly began his service to this country when he enlisted in 1982 after obtaining his high school diploma. For the remainder of his life, Barry served as a dedicated police officer for Tinton Falls Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, and finally the State Commission of Investigations for a combined 32 years. His unique undercover and tactical skill set were essential for the role he played as a Detective Sergeant for the Tactical Narcotics Team, eventually leading him to become Director of Tactical Operations for training programs like Top Gun and Undercover Narcotics and Investigative Training. Barry also served as an instructor at the Police Academy and the Division of Criminal Justice Police Academy, teaching classes in narcotics identification, firearms training systems, and unmarked motor vehicle stops. Barry was also involved in teaching resident advisors at Monmouth University about narcotic identification and the changing trends of drug use. Through these avenues, it is conservatively estimated that Barry had a direct impact on over 10,000 members of the law enforcement community, college students and citizens of the state of New Jersey.

Barry was a man dedicated to community service and helping the youth specifically. He was an indispensable member of the 6AM Club, a fitness group mostly organized by local policemen and women to teach student athletes about personal fitness, but more importantly mentor and guide them through high school and beyond. He also served as President of Off Da Hood Motorcycle Club, a group that strived to serve the local community while sharing a commonality of being motorcycle enthusiasts. This organization raised money and donated turkeys for the less fortunate in Asbury Park during Thanksgiving, made monetary donations to Meridian Children's Ward in Freehold, NJ, and held an annual Easter Egg Hunt in Shark River Park, NJ.

Barry Graves was one of the few lucky people that lived his life pursuing his passion. His dedication to the police force, his commitment to his community, and his devotion to his family is unmatched and has been nothing short of inspiring. His larger than life personality has touched many and he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his parents, Joseph King and Diana Graves, his significant other, LaVerne "Boo" Yates, his loving brother, Brian (Erica) Graves, and his three beloved children Tiffani Sarah Graves DMD, Barry Josef Graves II, and Elijah Christopher Graves. He leaves behind his nephew and nieces, Brian Graves Jr. (Deuce), Courtnee and Jordyn. His memory will live on in the host of additional cousins and close family that he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Sarah Simon (Mama) and Corine Graves.

Services for Barry Graves will be held at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 West Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19132. Viewing from 6-9pm on Friday, September 1, 2017. Second viewing from 8-10am on September 2, 2017. The funeral service will follow second viewing, beginning at 10am with Reverend James Moore Sr. presiding. Interment will follow at Chelten Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in honor of his aunt, Doris Frederick, to the V Foundation for Cancer, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.