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Richard Graver Obituary
Graver Sr.
Richard A. Graver Sr., 81, of Owl Creek Road, Lehighton, passed away Monday, Aug. 5, at St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem.
Born in Towamensing Township, he was a son of the late Lafayette F. and Beatrice (Brown) Graver.
He was a 1956 graduate of Palmerton Area High School.
He had served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before returning home to own and operate Graver's Orchards in Towamensing Township. He also worked at Kriss Pines.
Richard loved being a hard working farmer. He delivered his produce to local grocery stores and also to many homes on his route.
He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Big Creek.
He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Association.
Richard is survived by his three sons, Richard A. Graver Jr., Leroy H. Graver and Ryan E. Graver, all of Lehighton; sisters, Dorothy, wife of Donald Strohl, of Aquashicola, and Monica Johnson of Lehighton. brother, Wayne Graver, and wife Donna, of Lehighton; grandchildren, Amy Graver, Richard A. Graver III, Nathan Graver and Skyler Graver; great-grandchildren, William and Olivia, also Theresa Serfass, who worked at the farm for 35 years and was a companion for many years.
He was predeceased by brothers, Lafayette Jr., Raymond, Ronald; and a sister, Gloria Anthony.
Services: will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Big Creek, 414 Old Mill Road, Franklin Township, with the Rev. James Robinson officiating. Viewing 9-11 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Paul's Union Cemetery, adjacent to the church. The Edward F. Melber Funeral Home, Jim Thorpe, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Graver
Sponsored by Edward F Melber Funeral Home.
Clive H Ensher
August 1, 2023
For 15 years+ I faithfully made the once a year trip to purchase Mr. Graver's apples. In less than an hour we covered business, politics, health, the current status of the apple season and etc. By the time I left the orchard and entered the Pa. N.E. Extension, I had consumed 3+ apples and thankful for Richard Graver as a man, and farmer like my dad. I always felt all was well with life after leaving Gravers Orchards!!
Clive H Ensher
August 1, 2022
Somehow the apples will never taste the same. Miss Richard and my yearly visit to see him and buy my apples.
Clive H Ensher
August 1, 2021
I will always remember Richard and from time to time I stop up to visit him. He was a man of true grit....no pretense, nothing fake or false about him. My dad was a farmer and I understood his persona.
Clive Ensher
September 23, 2019
Once a year for over 25/30 years I have driven up to purchase my special apples at Gravers Orchards. I did so today expecting to see Mr. Graver and Theresa informed me that he passed away. I am so saddened by this news. Although I only saw him once a year we would always "catch up" on my visit. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all and I hope The orchards will survive as a tremendous tribute to Richard.
Angelique Yaich
August 12, 2019
there are unique individuals in this world who touch your life. his down to earth-ness, will be one of my remembrances whenever apple season comes.
Jim Simpson
August 8, 2019
I met Richard when I was six years old - we were neighbors, and friends for a long time. He was always cheerful and helpful to our family, the very definition of a good neighbor. We didn't have much contact over the recent past (we moved away from the farm over 50 years ago), but whenever we visited the Lehighton area, it was always a pleasure to stop and chat with him - we would usually find him working in the orchard... My more recent memories of Richard are of a hard-working, honest, and friendly person - and my oldest memories of him were of a childhood hero.
August 8, 2019
Prayers to the Graver family on Richard's passing
Katina and Manny Chatzistamatis
August 8, 2019
Richard was the nicest person you ever wanted to meet May the memory of him be eternal. He surely will be missed, back in the 1989 when my parents lived up at my house they were elderly and didn't drive ,I worked in Philly all week and they were there with kids and Richard would deliver to the house for them a wonderful man
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