Andrew Arnold Graven

Andrew “Andy” Arnold Graven, 76, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on July 27, 2025, in hospice care. He was born on November 5, 1948 in Akron, Ohio to the late Ralph Graven and Susan Fox Graven. He is survived by his wife, Sue Graven; children: Tina Kneisel (Michael) and Tami Dietz (Alan); grandchildren: Katy (Brody), Kenny, Abby, Ella, Clinton, and Hampton; siblings: Frank Graven (Connie), Margaret Sizer (Danny), and Nancy Downey (Earl); and many extended family members and dear friends.

Andy was a proud graduate of Garfield High School, Class of 1966. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Akron. He had a dedicated and varied career beginning as an engineer for Goodyear Tire & Rubber before moving to North Carolina to work for Hoechst Celanese. He later worked as a consultant and eventually as a small business owner before retiring in 2013.

He shared a wonderful life with Sue, his beloved wife of 56 years, whom he met in high school history class when they were 15. They shared many interests, including a love of travel. Andy journeyed to 49 of 50 states in his lifetime, as well as trips to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America for both work and pleasure. He passed along his passion for exploring new places to his family, with whom he enjoyed biking in Hawaii, whale watching in Alaska, attending Broadway shows in New York City, touring baseball parks, tasting wines in France and Italy, and relaxing on Caribbean cruises.

Within the local community, Andy was a strong supporter of Charlotte sports, arts, and culture as a 25-year season ticket holder to the Carolina Panthers, Broadway at Blumenthal Arts, and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Andy was also a valued volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and Mended Hearts. The impact of his support for these causes was evident in his final days, when friends and fellow volunteers called him to share their thanks and well wishes as he moved on to his next great adventure.

Andy deeply loved his wife, two children, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. He took great pride in watching them grow, achieve, and honor family traditions, and he especially enjoyed supporting them at their performances, games, and concerts. Andy was happiest when surrounded by those he held dear, and was a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and genuine friend.

He will be lovingly remembered in our hearts and minds for watching football and action movies in his recliner, playing a game of cards, sneaking tastes of cake frosting, and carving the turkey at the head of the Thanksgiving table.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, August 1st, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity or Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster in Andy’s memory.