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BORN
1949
DIED
2014
Joseph Graber Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Graber
Michael J. Graber
November 17, 2023
Not one day passes without my thoughts of my deceased family members. This includes my brother Joseph. We should remind ourselves that we also will one day
leave this life and that the humility it brings us is necessary to understand the great
importance of our lives. My brother actually did something with his life and lived his
life dream of education, world travel, teaching, and earth conservation. I am a witness
of his life and those who know him are the better for his knowledge and wisdom.
Michael J. Graber, Sr
October 23, 2021
Hard to believe that it will be seven years since my brother Joe
passed away in 2014. Joe lived his life as was a teacher, prospector, hiker, world traveler, spanish speaker, reader, lecturer, trumpet player, musician, poet, astronomer, photographer, writer, nature lover, Tucson desert rat, artist, geologist, mountain climber, high school championship marching band member, trivia geek, Grateful Dead fanatic, storyteller, post card sender, history buff, human and
animal rights activist, sports fan, son, uncle, husband, and brother
that was part of our life and will never, ever die. Amen. MJG
Adrian Griffin
December 8, 2020
The cold, sunny, dry Sacramento December reminds me of winters in Tucson. Joe—thinking about you and our times together back then.
Adrian Griffin
November 18, 2019
Hey, Joe, I remember our times under the desert moon. I think of you every time I go backpacking.
Lizzie V.
September 5, 2015
Many, many memories of Joe..."'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." - Alfred Lord Tennyson
No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. Francois Mauriac
I have not seen Joe for 40 years...do I remember YES, fondly. Joe left me with 3 things I still have a red yarn rose procured on a motorcycle trip to the Belleville flea market, a soft gray-blue poncho with fringe that he gave me upon returning from AZ in 1972 and a dark green velvet dress with red and yellow embroidery (Jah's colors). Stories! Early in the AM after a night with Joe and friends we pooled our change and they sent me out for eggs and bread. I came back a few hours later - in the green velvet dress - no eggs. Joe named me the "Electric Lady." Was it tomorrow or just the end of time?" J. Hendrix
Joe signed up for the navy, cut his hair, said goodby to his family in Philly. Then we had a motorcycle accident on our "last ride," and Joe called off the Navy - because he "did not want to leave me." I left him in the winter of '73 when he picked me up at work and remarked - offhandedly - "You know I might end up marrying you." I was mortally offended and jumped out of our '65 VW van (completed with couch and curtains) stuck out my thumb and ended up in California 3 days later. Left with $10 and came back with $3 - a month later. When I returned Joe had moved out of the Buffalo Run Road farm house we lived in. The last time I saw Joe was when he showed up (uninvited) at my wedding luncheon in 1975. Joe gave me a look, and I remember thinking, "I made a mistake." I will always remember coasting down the mountains on the motorcycle - no gas, looking for leprechauns in a bubbling brook, and making a special trip to view the "door of perception." Joe's alter ego was RIP STEEL - who could bend iron bars with his bare hands. So glad he had a wonderful life with Cheryl.
Lizzie V.
Larry Zogran
April 11, 2015
Joe was a great friend when I was at Penn State and though I lost touch with him in the mid 80's I remember the great times we had. Joe had a great sense of humor and a great perspective on life.
Pam Parrish
March 7, 2015
Joe touched so many lives in so many ways, as a teacher and ... well, I guess he was always teaching! His eternal enthusiasm was a great antidote to boredom or discouragement, too. I can't believe that all that energy isn't somehow still with us, even in the fond memories, smiles and laughter when we think of him. Our hearts go out to you, Cheryl, and we send many hugs your way.
Eric Ketterer
February 16, 2015
Joe was a good friend. We lost touch over the years, but it seems like only yesterday that we were roommates at PSU. My condolences to the family!
Bill Feeman
December 14, 2014
I'm sorry this took so long for me to get together but after a 40+ year history with Joe it was difficult to figure out what to write. There are so many memorable moments. When I first met Joe at Penn State, he was living in the first coed living experiment at the University, The Shelter. It was housed in an old fraternity house and was the scene of many fun and strange events. After all, it was the sixties! In November 1972, group of us including Joe packed up and moved to Arizona. Joe eventually went back to Penn State and finished his degree, but never lost his love for the desert. He returned moving south to Tucson and began his teaching career. We stayed in touch and attended many Grateful Dead concerts together. Over the years I was the recipient of many of Joe's famous postcards from his extensive travels. Joe was one of the kindest, most big hearted people I've ever met. I'm so glad that he retired early and also during his career had his summers to do his many travels.Joe also was fortunate enough to meet his soulmate and spend many years with her. He had a wonderful life but left us too early and will be sorely missed.
Diana
December 8, 2014
It is so very sad to have Joe leave this world way too soon. I am so grateful to have known him and to have spent so many great evenings on the back patio, talking about anything and everything late into the wee hours, surrounded by the plants Joe loved (along with the string of trailer lights!). My deepest sympathies, Cheryl.
Gloria
December 1, 2014
My condolences for your loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. God's (Jah's) promise to empty the grave in the near future is found at Hosea 13:14. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow.
Ted Emel
November 29, 2014
Great memories of Joe when we went to San Simeon in 1977. Of course his hikes in Tucson were always informative. Ted Emel
Ruth Argraves
November 26, 2014
Joe was the last of his breed! I worked with Joe for 6 years at Hohokam Middle School. I loved our chats and his sense of humor. You are greatly missed.
JoseLuis Sandoval
November 26, 2014
Our entire association as two friends ran its course in a mere six months--but we became friends for life. We saw eye-to-eye on so many things and planned to continue associating and exchanging/sharing the perceptions and insights of a lifetime. We won't be hanging out down here anymore, Joe, so I'll see you yonder. Sending blessings and more blessings up your way, mi amigo, Jose de dos mundos!...
Tu amigo para siempre,
JoseLuis Sandoval
November 26, 2014
Dear Dennis, Patsy and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. The Holubs
Peg Graber
November 26, 2014
Still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my oldest brother. The "guru" of our family is gone. Thank you for being such a great brother. I will surely miss you! I'm so glad that I got a chance to see you on your last visit to the east coast...I will miss talking to you and will always admire you and the life you lived well...until we meet again, I love you Joe.
A. H.
November 26, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
November 25, 2014
Our entire association as two friends ran its course in a mere six months--but we became friends for life. We saw eye-to-eye on so many things and planned to continue associating and exchanging/sharing the perceptions and insights of a lifetime. We won't be hanging out down here anymore, Joe, so I'll see you yonder. Sending blessings and more blessings up your way, mi amigo, Jose de dos mundos!...
Maureen Dougherty
November 25, 2014
I went to visit my Uncle Joe in Tucson when I was in the first grade with my mom and brother. Although I don't remember much, I have some great memories. I went to visit Uncle Joe and Cheryl again about 5 years ago and he showed me so many things in only a weeks time. Thank you for being an awesome tour guide and sharing your beloved Tucson and Patagonia with me. The full moon in Patagonia took my breath away and I will forever be grateful for that. I'm glad we got to hang out this September in Townsend's Inlet for a few days and you got to meet my son Joseph. I'll never forget the way he was looking at your face and admiring your beard. Please tell Pop - Pop and my Dad I said hello and watch over our family. To Cheryl, Wilbur and Otis I am so sorry for your loss.
Joey Rauseo
November 25, 2014
I loved and admired you uncle Joe ! Ure an inspiration to us all, plus we have the same feet....... u live on in all our hearts. You were truly the favorite Graber child. Thank you for ure understanding and love. Praise Jah mon......
Cheryl McRill
November 25, 2014
When I picked up our mail yesterday, there was a small package for Joe from the Environmental Defense Fund. It is an adorable little plush stuffed pika, a small rodent-like animal whose existence is threatened due to global climate change. We saw pikas on our recent trip to Glacier National Park, and I have always loved seeing them when hiking in the Northwest. I'm sure this little toy pika was a Christmas gift for me. I hope Joe knows how happy I am with that.
Please know that Joe would welcome gifts in his honor to any charity that promotes environmental preservation, prevents cruelty to animals, or seeks to help the less fortunate, not just the ones listed in the obituary. It would be a better world if there were more like Joe.
Thanks to all for your love and support.
cheryl king
November 25, 2014
Rest in Peace Joe...
bill mckeown
November 25, 2014
I am saddened to hear this news. Joe had a profound effect on me when he suggested on a Wednesday that we go to Canada on Friday to attend Expo 67.
we were seniors in High School.
No plans. No room. My first real adventure in life.
I have fondly mentioned this story to family and friends many, many times.
My children know the name of Joe Graber!
I salute you my adventurous friend.
Thank you Joe.
Sincerely
Bill
Bob Stover
November 24, 2014
Enjoyed Joe as a good friend up thru college til Joe went west. Hooked up again when he came East about 3 years ago. It was a pleasure being with him (and a few old buddies) again. So glad we had that time to catch up. My sympathies to his family including his wife,Cheryl, who he wanted me to meet when I retired and could travel West. My loss.
November 24, 2014
You thought, you taught, you spoke. Your gracious gift of knowledge shined brightly for those willing to learn - and even a few of those not so willing! We will miss your smile and laughter until we meet again ...
and always look to the heavens for you,
Tim, Kellie, Rob, Tyler and Jenna.
November 24, 2014
CWe had a lot of fun and memories at Hohokam. we will all remember and miss you.
November 24, 2014
Many years ago, Joe gave me a picture he had taken of Comet Kahoutek brilliantly lighting up the sky above a mature saguaro with the lights of Tucson in the background. I've hung that picture up in the many places I've lived since then. In fact, it is hanging in my bedroom right now. I use to look at it and smile thinking of Joe. Now, when I look at, I still smile but also think about how he shown brilliantly in all the lives he touched while on this earth. I will miss him very much.
A. H.
November 24, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Adrian Griffin
November 23, 2014
The hikes I took with Joe are some of the fondest memories of my life. The Santa Ritas, the Catalinas, Hannigan's Meadow. And here, the Desolation Wilderness and Yosemite. You covered plenty of ground. I'll miss you, good buddy.
November 23, 2014
To all my Graber cousins. So sad to hear about Joey's passing! We were all so close growing up.My prayers go out to the family. Love cousin Maureen
Megan McNulty
November 23, 2014
To my Graber cousins am so sorry for you loss of Joe. My mom would tell me of her visits with Joe. Was so nice of him to visit with her. Love you guys and think of you all often.
Myself, Bill McLaughlin, and Joe
Gerry Aubrey
November 23, 2014
Joe, thank you for being you. I know that sounds simple, but I met so few people who are themselves all the time. You were brilliant, yet humble, a great wit, but you were never caustic with it, you could speak profusely on so many subjects but your greatest talent, in my humble opinion was your willingness to listen. You had the ability to make the other person feel tremendously important, a rare and so admired talent. Thanks for the time we spent together. Amen.
Susan Chapdelaine
November 23, 2014
did you ever hike with Joe? always a teacher with reminders to stop and smell the roses so to speak and have an appreciation for life in the slow lane. Joe cultivated my love of the desert; visits to the saguaros with reverence and respect (did he send you the local news article about the guy who shot up the saguaro only to have it fall over on him?). would Joe ever miss a chance to dive on in whether it was the Emerald Pool in the mountains too cold for every other human to set foot in, food introductions like chimichangas at the local Mexican restaurant, or relishing the reuben sandwich at Canters in LA. always sharing new music experiences with such passion (Ziggy Marley) and enjoying the old and familiar like the Ventura Dead shows. his care of his record collection and how to keep them clean in spite of desert dust (oh, the lectures!). the tales of the road often sent as pictorials on postcards he had collected along the way. nope, one of a kind this guy. sorry he had to leave so soon just as he was charting a new course in the pacific northwest with wife Cheryl. there is some comfort in the fact he was able to enjoy years of retirement reporting back as one alter ego or another. praise jah that he touched my life. thanks for the laughs along the way and the memories ...
Patsy Cook Graber
November 23, 2014
We will miss your tales of Ireland, the wild west, and your crazy post cards. Send some from heaven in your huge handwriting and let us know how it is up there. Keep on truckin', man.
Jan
November 23, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the words of our dear heavenly Father bring you both comfort and hope. (Psalm 9:9,10)
Sierra S.
November 23, 2014
Brilliant and insightful man. He will be missed. Rest in Peace, "Uncle Joe".
Mary Dougherty
November 23, 2014
We at The Dougherty's are Sure Gonna Miss You....So Glad You Got To Travel & Do All those Kool Things in Your Lifetime.......Thinking of Cheryl & sending Our Love at This Time... Thanx For Everything !! We Love You*
Carole Pettigrew
November 23, 2014
To Cheryl and all of the Graber family , We are so sorry for your loss. Joe had a good life and did it his way. He will be missed but your memories will keep the laughter in your heart. The Pettigrew / Geist families.
Rick Ramsey
November 23, 2014
Joe, you gave much to kids and staff at Hohokam. To Joe's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a good man.
November 23, 2014
Joe, your passing leaves a big hole in our world. Hoping that you are happy and at peace and feeling all of the love that has been sent your way by all of your family and friends. Miss you.
Praise Jah, Larry, Kate, Rachel and Melissa
Cheryl McRill
November 23, 2014
Bye, sweetie. I'll love you forever.
Cheryl
Bill Kalt
November 23, 2014
My heart is sadden by your loss. Joe was a good man.
All my sympathies.
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