Sidney Chase GRAVES

1936 - 2024

GRAVES, Sidney Chase Jr. Died peacefully in Newburyport, MA, on March 5, 2024, following a brief battle with lung cancer. Throughout his life, Sid was the picture of health and youth and surely the most handsome man in the room. His enthusiasm for life and all of its diversions was unmatched and lamented by anyone sitting on the opposite side of a backgammon board or "Oh Hell" card game, watching his sly grin light up the room.

At 6'5", and ever the perfect gentleman, Sid towered over most people. He had a radiant smile, a twinkle in his eye and long arms that he loved to hug everyone with.

With his signature bowties, he was always the perfect dinner guest. A favorite family story recounts a harrowing incident in which he saved his 75-year old father-in-law after the two capsized in a small sailboat in Somes Sound, Mt. Desert, Maine. When their rescuer approached in a motorboat, Sid grinned, reached out to shake the man's hand, and announced "Hello, I'm Sidney Graves!"

Born in Milton, MA, to Dr. Sidney C. Graves and Alice Brown Graves on March 10, 1936, Sid attended Milton Academy, Harvard and Rhode Island School of Design. He also spent two years in the Navy on board the USS Champlain.

Sid's passion for architecture was a vital part of his being. He loved his work and his clients to the point of losing track of days after back to back all-nighters. Early in his career, he worked for Lord Den Hartog, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Symmes Maini & McKee and Met Life Boston, where he was chief architect. His work took him to major project in Hawaii, a 1400 car Kaahumanu parking facility, Pittsburgh, a new transit system, Morocco, Squam Lake, Greater Boston, extensive work around South Station and many roadways in and out of Boston, and Mount Desert Island. It was his work in the private sector that brought him the most joy and pride. He loved his clients and they loved him in return.

His pastimes when not working included sailing, skiing, hiking with his beloved dogs and biking. Mornings were often spent solving crossword puzzles, sudoku and all of The New York Times games. He and his wife, Robin, travelled frequently and his favorite of all was the Azores trip they took in late September 2023, just before his illness was diagnosed.

Later in life, Sid found his way into volunteer work designing houses for Habitat for Humanity, in Essex County, delivering food weekly to relocated Afghan families from the Newbury Food Pantry and serving on the board at The Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, Maine, a community center for year-round and summer residents. While on the board, he designed and directed extensive renovations on the gym, kitchen, and facilities.

Sid is survived by his wife of 29 years, Robin Reath; his three children, Monica, Sid, and Martin; two sisters, Mitzi Marsh and Lisa Plowden-Wardlaw; and three stepchildren Willy, Porter and Nellie Fox; along with thirteen amazing grandchildren ages one week to 25 years old. Sid was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his three children, Robin Funnell.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary's By the Sea, in Northeast Harbor, Maine, on Friday, May 24, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662 or to The First Parish Food Pantry, 20 High Rd., Newburyport, MA 01951.