Charles Paulson Graves Jr.

Mr. Charles Paulson Graves Jr. passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Riverside, Connecticut, at the age of 88. A lifelong resident of Greenwich and a beloved figure in his community, Chuck leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, civic engagement, and joyful living.

Born on February 11, 1937, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Chuck was raised in Old Greenwich—a true townie through and through. As a boy, he could be found down at Todd’s Point with a bucket and shovel in hand, digging for clams and periwinkles to use as bait for fishing. These early days by the water sparked a lifelong love for Long Island Sound and the simple pleasures of nature.

Chuck attended Greenwich Public Schools before continuing his education at Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. He was an avid athlete who enjoyed playing a few different sports, his favourite being football. He went on to attend Hamilton College, laying the foundation for a successful career that spanned four decades in the sales promotion field. Over the years, he worked with Westpoint Pepperell, Chase Packaging Company, and Union Camp Corporation. After retiring from corporate life, Chuck continued to serve his hometown by working as a parking ticket appeals officer for the Town of Greenwich and later as assistant to First Selectman Tom Ragland for three years. Prior to settling into Riverside life, Charlie served in the United States Army Corps. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Chuck’s commitment to public service extended far beyond his professional roles. For 25 years he was an active member of the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting (RTM), where he chaired the Parks and Recreation Committee for a decade. His leadership helped shape many aspects of community life in Greenwich. He was also a long-standing member of several local organizations including the Riverside Yacht Club, Griff Harris Men’s Club (where he enjoyed many rounds of golf), the Horseneck Club, and the Harpoon Club.

A man who believed deeply in making a difference where one could—rather than worrying about what was out of one’s control—Chuck lived by this philosophy every day. Whether it was through civic involvement or cultivating his legendary tomato garden, he brought care and intention to everything he did.

Chuck adored his wife Mary Ann—his partner in life for 65 years since their marriage in 1960. Together they built a stable and loving home where they raised three children. His family includes eldest son Charles P. Graves III (Chad) and his wife Melissa (Howe), and their three children Sarah, Katie and Chris; second son Stephen Hilliard Graves and his wife Caroline (Franco) and their three children Madeline, Michael, and Charlie; daughter Cameron Healy Graves and her partner Gerald Kelly and two children Sydney and Max. His sister Lynn (Graves) Mitchell resides in Palo Alto, California.

He was predeceased by his parents Charles Paulson Graves and Geraldine H. Graves, as well as his sister Ann Clare Graves.

Chuck had an infectious sense of humour that lit up every room he entered. He was the master of the well-thought-out joke gift, and he always appreciated them in return. Though philosophical by nature, he always appreciated a good laugh.

In addition to fishing trips on Long Island Sound and rounds of golf with friends old and new, Chuck cherished winters spent on Boca Grande Island in Florida with Mary Ann—a place that brought them both peace and sunshine during their later years.

His grounding presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him—from family members who relied on his wisdom to neighbors who admired his tomatoes or shared laughs over cocktails.

A memorial service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held at St. Catherine of Sienna Church on Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 a.m.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him—and may we all strive to live with such humor, heart, and purpose as Charlie did every day of his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Charles can be made to either The Children’s Wish Foundation or your charity of choice.