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William Graham Obituary
WILLIAM W. GRAHAM, ESQ.
AGE: 64 SEA GIRT
William W. Graham, Esq., 64, a prominent Shore area attorney, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Mr. Graham was born in Richmond, Va. and had been a resident of Sea Girt since 1946. He had graduated from St. Catharine's Grammar School, Spring Lake and St. Rose High School, Belmar where he was a member of the Golf Team and the State Championship Basketball team. He then went on to Villanova University, where he also played on the Basketball and Golf teams. After receiving his degree in Economics from Villanova, he went on to Seton Hall Law School receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1972. He has operated his private practice since 1975. During this time he served as the Municipal Prosecutor for the Boro of Manasquan for 15 years but the main focus of his practice for the past 25 years was devoted to representing plaintiffs in all aspects of personal injury litigation. William was an avid golfer and a well known and well liked member of Manasquan River Golf Club, Brielle for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents Richard B. and Violet L. Duncan Graham. Surviving is his beloved wife Robin Ann Graham, his children, William W. Jr. and his wife Lynn Yako Graham of San Francisco, Cal., his daughter Erika Sarin Graham of Waitsfield, Vt., Robin's 2 children Kat Bierbacher of Graz, Austria and Christian Rispoli of Sea Girt. Also surviving are his siblings Sheila A. Graham of Spring Lake, Richard B. Jr. and Sheila L. Graham of Manasquan, and Howard G. and Lisa A. Graham of Brick, his 4 grandchildren Anja, Jackson, Owen and George, his nieces and nephews Cristina Vilacoba-Kocsis, Richard, and Karl Vilacoba, Tony and Gene Weiss, and Richard B. Graham III and Heather Violet Graham, his grand nephew and grand nieces Eric, Hope, Jessica and Claire Vilacoba, and several cousins including Beverly Johanson and Ralph Bruno.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall followed by a Funeral Service on Tuesday January 5, 2009 at 11:30am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, corner of Main St. & Osborn Aves., Manasquan. Committal will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Development Office, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 in memory of William W. Graham, Class of 1966. For further information or to send condolences, please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Graham
January 14, 2010
So saddened to hear about this. Mr. Graham was a true gentleman and a fine lawyer.
A New Jersey lawyer
January 11, 2010
Robin and Family,
Bill was a gentleman and the provider of many, many stories and laughs. From the Bluffs to Rods and everywhere in between. He will be missed by all, but especially you. You have my prayers and thoughts at this trying time.
Judith McCabe
Steve Zengel
January 10, 2010
I always smiled when I saw Bill walk into the room. I knew he was going to bust my ribs in 10 seconds or less. Funniest time is when I had to rent a mini-van so me, him, and Richard could all fit in a car comfortably to go to Trenton to watch Villanova play Rider at Sovereign Bank Arena. He came out of Rod's after dinner, took one look at the mini-van, and bent over laughing, having to lean on Richard for support. I waited 5 minutes for him to get in the car. What was even funnier, he said, is how comfortbale it actually was after we got in. The three of us couldn't stop laughing. We laughed about it all the way to Trenton and I never heard the end of it. This is just one of the many memories I have of Bill. And, every memory I have of Bill is a good one, just like this one. I am going to miss him.
Robert Geisler
January 7, 2010
My sympathies to the family.
I met Billy years ago through fellow attorneys. Although I moved to Florida many years ago, we maintained a friendship and handled several legal matters together. Whenever I visited relatives in Manasquan, I would look forward to meeting him and being greeted by his great smile. He will be missed.
Francine LaVance Robertshaw
January 6, 2010
So sad to learn of Bill's passing. I will cherish the fond memories of good times shared with him at The Bluffs in Bay Head. Sincere condolences to his wife, children and family.
Bob and Diane McMann
January 6, 2010
We are so saddened by the loss of Bill.
We have so many fun memories of our college days together and beyond. It was Bill's great matchmaking skills that brought Bob and me together!
Robin, Sheila, Richie and Howard, please accept our heartfelt sympathy and know that, in time, the joy he gave you in life will help to heal the pain you are all going through right now. I know our memories of Bill will always be filled with laughter.
Michael Dunn
January 6, 2010
I haven't seen Bill in a couple of years so my memories are fond ones. From MGCC to Pebble and for a libation at Rod's our conversations were always colorful. My deepest sympathies to Rich and the rest of the Graham family. Especially to Robin in this time of need. Rest well my friend.
January 5, 2010
We are all saddened to lose Bill so early.His many stories,hilarious and interminable at the same time,provide a fond remembrance. Rich Rissel
Gloria Raffetto & Family
January 5, 2010
The Raffetto family of Sea Girt, including Gloria, Pat, Fred, and Richard, were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of the handsome and debonair Bill Graham whom they were used to seeing regularly at the MRGC for so many years. Please accept our most sincere sympathy and prayers at this difficult time.
David Bennett
January 5, 2010
I had the good fortune to meet Bill in Court as a young lawyer in 1982 and was immediately impressed by his knowledge, good humor and style as an attorney. Later, it would be my first instinct was to call him to refer clients and to seek his good advice. In playing golf with him at Manasquan River and other clubs, one could witness his easy, likeable and gracious manner and engender envy (in the best possible way) in other guys personally and professionally. He will be missed.
Cindy Karl
January 5, 2010
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
January 5, 2010
Dr.Joseph De Stephan...I will miss Billy terribly..Joey
Edith T. Nowels
January 4, 2010
Dear Beverly and all of Bill's family: In total shock and great sadness, I feel your loss. I know Bill as a stabilizing force during many trials and tribulations while associated with my late husband, Bill Nowels. My husband had highest regard for Bill Graham and knew him to be brilliant and fair with tremendous background and knowledge in his specialized field. A handsome, rather quiet, but very warm and caring person, understanding and loyal - so proud of his family. We've lost a wonderful friend - another loss our community and troubled world can ill afford. My love and kind thoughts are with you.
January 4, 2010
peter van sciver, a friend
William Travers
January 4, 2010
Bill has been a great friend for over fifty years. We had a great time at the Big "V" back in the 60's. He will missed by all his friends and family. Bill Travers
January 4, 2010
Bill was a great man,friend,and attorney. When you were down he always made you smile. He also was there for me in times of need.He will be missed by me and everyone whose life he touched. My deepest sympathy to all of his familey. May you rest peace Bill .Bob McCarthy Seagirt / Fanwood N.J
Bobby McCarthy j.r.
January 4, 2010
Bill was a great man,friend,and attorney. When you were down he always made you smile. He also was there for me in times of need.He will be missed by me and everyone whose life he touched. My deepest sympathy to all of his familey. May you rest peace Bill .Bob McCarthy Seagirt / Fanwood N.J
January 4, 2010
Bill and I worked together in the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. In the many years that followed, I occasionally ran into him in Court. He always had time for a joke and inquiry about former a.p.'s with whom we had worked. If I had a question about the law or civil practice, I knew that I could call on Bill for his sound advice. He was a lawyer's lawyer and a gentle man, a rarity in today's practice. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Norman Kline
January 4, 2010
Bill and I worked together in the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. In the many years that followed, I occasionally ran into him in Court. He always had time for a joke and inquiry about former a.p.'s with whom we had worked. If I had a question about the law or civil practice, I knew that I could call on Bill for his sound advice. He was a lawyer's lawyer and a gentle man, a rarity in today's practice. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Stacie Kinley
January 4, 2010
Dear Robin and the Graham family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are always here for you during this time of tragedy and always. I hope you take comfort in knowing that when the dust settles you always have friends that consider you family and will be your shoulder(s) to lean on.
Love you,
Stacie Kinley and Tracey Lazar
Barbara Ellis
January 4, 2010
Sending deepest condolences and prayers to
Bill's family at this sad time. He was a good friend to the Couch family.
Sincerely, Barbara Couch Ellis
January 4, 2010
Bill was a friend and fellow worker at the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. He introduced me to my wife at dinner "down the shore" in the late 70's. I was shocked and saddened when I read of his death in the N.J. Law Journal. My sincere condolences to his extended family.
Ken Krause
January 3, 2010
Billy and his family are in our hearts and prayers. I remember him from St. Rose and Villanova as a warm, fun loving and kind man.
He shall be missed by all and his legacy shall endure with his many friends and family. May his family find peace and acceptance ...
Mary Sica Lewis
January 3, 2010
Bill was a wonderful man, a terrific storyteller, competitive golfer, respectful and kind soul. Our family has many fond memories of his kindness to us, to our son Brandon. A man's man, a gentleman always, our hearts and prayers go out to Robin, his family, Richard and Sheila. He will be dearly missed. It has been a honor to be his friend.
Phyllis and Peter Flach
Joe & Pat Casey
January 3, 2010
Robin,Bill and Lynn and Erika,
We are so saddened by your tragic loss.We have known Billy for over fifty years and have many fond memories of days on the golf course,shared good times in college and laughing at "Crackers Stories" for the first time again.
He loved you all, Robin's children and his grand children so very much and was extremely proud of his family.
We will miss him forever.
Bernie Schaffer
January 3, 2010
Bill's death leaves a giant void in my life. But I will fill that void with all of the great memories we shared. My heart cries for Robin and all of Bill's relatives and friends. He was a great man and will be long remembered.
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