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FUNERAL HOME

Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd.

930 Center Ave

Blawnox, Pennsylvania

Alexander Graham Obituary

Dr. Alexander Graham, OD, FAAO, 81, of Murrysville, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, following a brief illness. He passed while surrounded by family. Dr. Graham was born in Lockport, N.Y., and when he was in ninth grade, his family moved to Lakewood, N.Y. He was the first of three children of Alexander and Ruth (Springer) Graham and graduated from Southwestern Central High School in Jamestown, N.Y. After attending Grove City College, Dr. Graham graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at the top of his class. Dr. Graham opened his first optometry practice in Penn Hills, and then was drafted to serve in the Medical Service Corps as an Army captain. Following his service, he returned to his Penn Hills practice, and then moved the practice to Murrysville. Many knew Dr. Graham as a fixture in the Murrysville community, both as an optometrist for nearly six decades and from his regular lunchtime visits to Dick's Diner. He was an active member of Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ (UCC) on Hills Church Road in Murrysville. Dr. Graham is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn; and six children, Jeffrey, of Murrysville; Lynelle, of Durham, N.C., Thomas, of Boston, Mass., Juliene, of Murrysville, Laurelyn, of Corning, N.Y., and Alexis, of Murrysville; his sister, Caryn, of Hubbard, Ohio; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Barry Graham. A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ on a future date to be determined. Professional services were entrusted to THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be sent to Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127, [email protected], 1-866-386-3422; or Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, [email protected], 215-780-1393; or Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, 3618 Hills Church Road, Export, PA 15632, [email protected], 724-327-3050. www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Tribune Review on Sep. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Graham

20 Entries

The Podkul family

January 12, 2024

Also condolences to his nurse assistants. You were wonderful, professional, and very kind. We will miss seeing you too.

Sharon

January 9, 2024

I´m so sorry to learn of Dr. Graham´s passing. He´d been my eye doctor since 1981. Always friendly, kind and willing to explain the results of a visit. He was such a sincere man.

Cheri

October 19, 2023

Dr. Graham has been my optometrist for 50 years. When going for an exam it was like going down memory lane as we would reminisce about our family members. He will be greatly missed.

Diane Blackwood

October 13, 2023

Dr. Graham was our family's eye doctor from when I was a child until I moved to Baltimore. I remember him being so patient as I was learning to use contacts. I had a difficult time, and he continued to encourage and support me. Dr. Graham was an all-around awesome human being. Our family will definitely miss him.

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Ron Norton

October 13, 2023

I met Dr. Graham when he was assisting his father-in-law in Swisvale in 1964. He showed me how to use my new contact lenses I wanted for college. He became my eye doctor for the next 59 years. But he was much more than that. Dr. Graham was my friend and confidant. My deepest sympathy to his family. I will truly miss him far more then my meger words can say.

Meredith Baldock

October 13, 2023

I was saddened to learn of his passing. Has been a patient since a teenager. He was a wonderful doctor and person. Will miss him and my condolences to his family and friends.

Melissa Palumbo

October 12, 2023

Dr. Graham was an excellent doctor and a kind & thoughtful person. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Joanne Kowick

October 12, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Graham's passing. He was my eye doctor for over 20 years. Walking into his office was like walking into a family member's home. He was the perfect gentleman and so respectful of us. We had many talks about the school since I was the teacher of one of his children. So sad for all of us who knew him

Deb Bucciero

October 8, 2023

I was shocked to hear of Dr. Graham's passing. Great doctor. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Kristen Molnar

September 26, 2023

So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Graham. I have been going to him for 25 years, he was always so positive and had a great spirit about him, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

The Iovino Family

September 25, 2023

As patient´s of Dr.Graham, we are deeply saddened and heart broken to hear about his passing. He was always a kind hearted man and doctor to the whole Iovino family. I have grown up having Dr. Graham as my eye doctor. And he has always been so loving and kind.
Our deepest condolences to his friends and family going through this difficult time.

From,
Ash, Cathy, and Bill Iovino

Shirley Veahman

September 25, 2023

Dr. Graham was such a kind and gentle man with a warm welcoming smile and optimistic attitude. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a new member at Hills Church 12 years ago. Through my personal serious health issues, Dr. Graham never failed to send me the church bulletin with a little note attached. I appreciated that kindness and will certainly miss him.
My sympathy to the Graham family. May God give you comfort.
Sincerely,
Shirley Veahman

Christina Coyne

September 24, 2023

Dr.Graham was a wonderful doctor. He was my optometrist most of my life (20+ years) & my mother up until she passed. My insurance didn't cover him, but I didn't want to leave his practice, that's how wonderful he was. I just saw him in July and I remember our last conversation. I asked him random quetions about the eyes & development, as usual he would always happily answer. Thats the doctor he was always so gentle, caring and intelligent.
I graduated with Lexi, and he would always talk about her. He loved talking about his family.
Losing a parent myself, it's truly unimaginable. My condolences to the graham family. I also pray for comfort & peace for the Graham family. Also, on their hardest days to know how truly wonderful he was. He is flying high with the angels. God bless the Graham family & everyoned lives he touched.

Brian, heidi, and brian compton Jr, and The Dulaney Family

September 24, 2023

God bless and godspeed Dr. Graham. Thoughts are with the family at this time.

Gil and Rosalie Brezler-Patients

September 23, 2023

Our condolences to the family. He was not just our eye doctor, he was our friend.

Stephanie D Schell

September 23, 2023

Was very active in his church.

Laura Tamarelli

September 23, 2023

I am so sorry. Dr. Graham was a wonder doctor and also a wonder friend and a huge asset to the church. He will be greatly missed

Doug and Juliana

September 23, 2023

Dr. Graham was a good hearted man and a blessings to all! He will be missed by all!!

The Podkul Family

September 22, 2023

Even though he didn´t accept our insurance my family went to him anyway. I recently received a hand written note after my recent eye surgery asking how I was doing. A hand written note from a doctor. Imagine that. That is why we never left his care. We will surely miss him. He was one of a kind.

Peg Hite

September 22, 2023

Thinking of the Graham family. Peg Hite

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