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George Graveson Obituary
George was born on September 17, 1929 to Gertrude and George Graveson of Amityville, Long Island. During his high school years his Uncle Lonnie Kittle, the science teacher and sports coach, recognized his athletic skills and helped him focus on his future including his wrestling career.
George attended Wyoming Seminary for one year before entering Yale University in 1948 with a NROTC Scholarship. He became a member of the "syrink" singing group, chairman of the undergraduate Board of Deacons, and a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. In his senior year he was selected Captain of the Yale Wrestling Team and named "Outstanding Wrestler" of the Eastern Intercollegiate Championships in 1951. He graduated from Yale in 1952 and was commissioned in the United States Navy. Later, George passed the entrance test to attend submarine school, leading to his Naval Career in submarines.
In December of 1955, George L. Graveson Jr. and Barbara Don Hoeltzel were married on December 28 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
George's decorated naval career culminated with his Command of two submarines and the rank of Captain. He was Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Representative in London, England followed by Chief of Staff to COMSUBMED and Commander Submarine Group Eight in Naples, Italy and his final assignment, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic Representative - Europe in Brussels, Belgium.
After 31 years in the Navy, George joined CONTELPage engineers in northern Virginia, as a program manager. Later George helped found the US Naval Submarine League, where he remained for over 20 years.
George is survived by his wife Barbara; sister Lilian; and four children George (Sherry) Lewis Graveson III, Deborah (Robert) Wulff, Cynthia (Clarke) Cunningham, and Elizabeth Wright; two step grandchildren Charles Clarke Cunningham IV and Deborah Anne Cunningham; three grandchildren Matthew George Graveson, Timothy Lewis Graveson, and Abigail Ann Graveson.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held at 11 a.m. on June 8 with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Capital Caring Health – Hospice. (capitalcaring.org/donate)
An interment service at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled in the future.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Graveson
6 Entries
Scott Waddle
July 30, 2024
I went to school with Debbie and Cindy in Naples Italy 1977 Forrest Sherman High School.
I wanted to be an Air Force pilot like my father but ended going to Annapolis and into the submarine service for 20 years.
Thank you captain for keeping us safe and for defending our freedoms
Sending my sincere condolences to the family and my classmate Debbie and sister Cindy
CDR Scott Waddle USN Ret
Lynden WA
[email protected]
919-389-5302
CDR Scott D Waddle USN Ret
July 29, 2024
CDR Scott D Waddle USN Ret
July 29, 2024
Jim Collins
May 26, 2024
God continue to watch over you George, and your family. I enjoyed working with you in the Naval Submarine League. Capt. Jim Collins.
Kathy Brown Nelson
April 23, 2024
Family of Capt Graveson, retired: This is Kathy Brown Nelson (Arlington, VA) daughter of the late Capt Jake Brown and the late June Brown. The Brown family enjoyed many social events with the Gravesons over the years. Young George III was a boyhood friend of my brother, David (Gaithersburg, MD). We send our heartfelt condolences to Barbara and all adult children, with extended families.
Jim Sandman
April 21, 2024
Dear Barbara, family and friends of George,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at George´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow "Bubblehead" departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Sarasota APA-204, USS Clamagore SS-343, USS Odax SS-484, USS Sea Poacher SS-406, USS Spikefish SS-404, and as Commanding Officer on USS Marlin SST-2 and USS Picuda SS-382.
To our "Brother-of-the-Phin" we say, "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas." Thank you for your service to our country.
Barbara and family... "may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
www.jimsandman.com
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