Richard Harold Graves

Richard Harold Graves passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital Friday, February 12 at the age of 87. He was born in Montague, MA, the son of Albert and Mary (Cuff) Graves. September 4, 1933. He was the husband of Judith Sheehan Graves. Rich will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his wife Judy of 56 years; and his children, Chris (Pam), Katie, Jeff (Becki), and Dan (Karen); his brother, Don Graves and his wife Carol; and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by eight grandchildren: Samantha, Megan, Nathan, Evan, Carter, Carly, Riley, and Makenna. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Reet O'Connor; his brother-in-law, Jim O'Connor; his sister-in-law, Kay Sheehan; and a very special cousin, Loretta (Babe) Patterson. Rich grew up in Montague and graduated from Turners Falls High School. He continued his education at UMASS, earning a BS degree in Chemistry. Upon graduating, he served two years in the U.S. Army - rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was very proud of the time he served in Japan. The highlight was being able to climb to the top of Mount Fuji, not once, but twice. Rich began his career at Yankee Rowe Nuclear Power Plant as a chemist. He met his wife Judy, got married, and then relocated to Connecticut to work at the Connecticut Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Haddam Neck, CT. Prior to retiring in 1992, he was the Plant Superintendent for 12 years. In his "free time" he dedicated his time to the Town of Portland. He served on the Board of Education for six years, the Board of Selectman for two years, and was the past chairman of the town facilities building committee responsible for the renovation of Central school to the now town hall. Rich and Judy were very active in St. Mary's Church of Portland. A man with a strong sense of history and tradition, he served as co-chairman of the church rebuilding committee after fire destroyed the building, raising more than $500,000 to renovate and preserve the 100 year structure. After retirement, he was finally able to enjoy his passion for golf. Not only did he work as a ranger at the Portland Golf Course, but he golfed as often as he wanted. In 2007, he and Judy made the decision to downsize and moved to Laurel Ridge in East Hampton. Rich and Judy continued their community involvement and gained many new, wonderful friends and neighbors. Rich continued to support the town of Portland by volunteering at the Portland Food Bank twice a week. It was an important part of his life socially as well as a testament to his generous spirit. Rich will be forever missed by those who knew and loved him. The family gives special thanks to all the doctors and nurses for their kindness and care. Funeral services and burial will be private. Portland Memorial Funeral, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rich's memory may be made to the Portland Food Bank (7 Waverly Ave, Portland, CT 06480), or the Jimmy Fund (www.jimmyfund.org/gift).