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David Graver Obituary
David J. (Bear) Graver, 82, of Chesapeake, passed away on Wednesday August 2, 2023 at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Facility.
David was born on August 7, 1940 in Lancaster, PA. He was the son of David and Jeanne (Wolf) Graver. David attended McKaskey High School in Lancaster.
David joined the United States Navy in 1958 and served 30 years until his retirement in 1988 as a Master Chief Petty Officer Photographer Mate/Diver. David loved being a Navy diver and underwater photographer. After retiring from the Navy, David worked as Captain on a commercial diving vessel.
David enjoyed woodworking, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
David is survived by his wife Georgia Graver of Chesapeake, son Scott Graver of Virginia Beach, son Todd and wife Kim Graver of Chesapeake, and daughter Dawn and husband Doug Lahey of Chesapeake, and grandchildren Nathan and Ryan Graver of Chesapeake.
David is preceded in death by his parents David Graver and Jeanne (Graver) Gockley, and sister Deborah (Graver) Sarbaugh.
The family has chosen to honor David's wish not to have a funeral service. The family is planning to have a celebration of life gathering. In accordance with his wishes and Navy tradition, David's final resting place will be at sea. May he have eternal fair winds and following seas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Graver
Sponsored by the family.
Rick and Joyce
August 30, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Georgia L Graver
August 25, 2023
I would like to sincerely thank all of you for your well wishes and comments about the passing of my husband. He was a wonderful man with lots of friends and family members that adored him, and he will be missed not only by me but A lot of other people. Thank you again sincerely, Georgia Graver.
Georgia L Graver
August 25, 2023
Joan Zopf-Faram
August 22, 2023
Georgia and family,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Dave was a kind, gentle, and loving man. You both have been there for me during a difficult time and for that I am forever grateful. He will be missed by many, but nowhere near the extent of how you will miss him. Just know that he is with you, he will always be with you. If you ever need anything, I am here for you. I loved him like a father and I love you too.
Joan
David Swingle, CAPT USNR-ret Diving Officer
August 15, 2023
I am sorry for your loss. I did not know David, but I am a retired Diving Officer and found a book that mentions him. It is called >Just a Sailor, A Navy Diver's Story of Photography, Salvage, and Combat< by Steven L. Waterman, Ballentine Books, 2000. I have the paperback printing and in chapter 9, p 77 there is a little description of PH1 Graver, the author's dive buddy. He comes up again later, but I stopped looking after the second mention. The index shows his name comes up ten times in the book, with page numbers. You might like to read the book to see what underwater photography involved and such. The author was PH. The thrust of the book is UDT.
Bishop Ed Skiba USN ret.
August 14, 2023
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and perpetual light shine upon him."
Skip Lash
August 13, 2023
Rest in Peace, Shipmate.
John White
August 10, 2023
Georgia, please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. Dave was a great member of the photo community and will be missed by all who knew him.
Luree and Brian Harris
August 10, 2023
Georgia and family- again so sorry for your loss! He is with you differently now and loves you forever! We already miss Bear. We love you! Sending prayers for comfort!
Brian and Luree Harris
Anonymous
August 10, 2023
Thank you for your service. May you have fair seas and a following breeze, RIP
Dave Plum
August 10, 2023
Georgia, I´m so sorry for your loss. I still have two monuments to David that he created. They are strong and sturdy as he was. The storage shelves he built for RK&K and my workbench will last forever and as will your memories of the good times you shared. Take care of yourself.
Larry Cregger
August 9, 2023
Hoping the memories will ease your loss and bring you comfort. Dave was a great friend and shipmate throughout my entire Naval career and beyond. His calm, patient personality positively affected the people that worked for him or with him. Fair winds and following seas Master Chief.
LC Johnson
August 9, 2023
When I think of Dave, in my mind he is either in his workshop creating something or playing and relaxing with Nathan and Ryan. One of the nicest couples in the neighborhood. Our deepest condolences to Georgia and the Graver family. ~~ Linda and JP Johnson, Chesapeake, Virginia
Wilson Box
August 9, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
William Stinson
August 9, 2023
PHC Bud Stinson, you made my life better by knowing you, thank you David
Kirk and Sheree Parker
August 9, 2023
Our heartfelt condolences to the family for your loss. David was an exceptional person and we were grateful to have know him. He touched so many lives and should be celebrated. Hoping that your special memories bring some peace and comfort during this difficult time. We're keeping you all in our thoughts. Love, Kirk and Sheree
Jane Barsumian
August 9, 2023
So very sorry for the loss of David. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Georgia, and his whole family.
And, thank you for your Service, Sir!
Bill Swearingen
August 9, 2023
Uncle Bear, one of the greatest moments in my life was making Chief Petty Officer, it made it more special when you gave me your anchors to be pinned with. I honored them everyday as a chief and eventually a Senior Chief. I always looked forward to our conversations and sound advice you gave me growing up. Fair winds and following sea. You will be missed and will be forever in my heart as my favorite Uncle.
Judy Bear Monger and husband James (Jim) Monger
August 8, 2023
David will always have a special place in our hearts since he was the one who introduced me to my husband. We just celebrated 63 years of marriage in July. We lost contact after he joined the Navy and finally caught up with him, and met Georgia, at a class reunion. Been friends ever since. Was looking forward to seeing him and Georgia at our last reunion - coming up in October. The family has been and will continue to be in our prayers. He was a special person and will be missed. Love, Judy and Jim Monger
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