Howard Graham

With profound sadness we announce that my beloved husband, Howard Graham, age 83, of Norwich, New York, peacefully laid down his earthly body and entered into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 8:10 pm on Monday, March 30th, 2026 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He is now at rest, fully healed and fully whole, dwelling in eternal joy in Heaven.

Howard was born on February 4, 1943, at Manhattan General Hospital in New York City, to his beloved parents, the late Harold Graham and Helen Resseguie Graham Wuest. He grew up in Upper Greenwood Lake, West Milford in New Jersey, surrounded by loving parents, aunts and uncles and cousins who were more like siblings.

A defining moment in his young life came when two Christian men from Greenwood Baptist Church invited the children to attend Wednesday children’s ministry. When they asked Howard’s mother if the children could come, His mother graciously replied, “Take them all.” From that moment on, Howard and his cousins faithfully attended church, and not long after they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and were baptized. That early foundation of faith shaped the rest of Howard’s life, and he remained steadfast in his walk with the Lord until his final breath.

Howard was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Harold Graham and Helen Resseguie Graham Wuest; his stepfather, Carl Wuest; his cherished younger brother, Thomas Graham; his beloved son, Matthew Graham; his dear grandson, Matthew James Graham; and his paternal and maternal grandparents and great grandparents.

Howard attended West Milford Township High School in New Jersey and graduated in 1963. He was active on the school’s baseball team, the Dodgers, and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. After high school, Howard continued his education for six more years through different vocational training at Bloomfield Tech, RETS Electronic School, and NASA Soldering School in Little Falls, New Jersey while working full time.

Throughout his school years, he was known for his beautiful and meticulous cursive handwriting, a skill admired by many including his teachers until injuries to his hands left him unable to write cursive as best as before. Howard loved to skate, finding joy and freedom on both roller skates and ice. Gliding across the rink and the frozen lake with natural grace reflected his playful spirit, energy, and zest for life.

After many years working as an Electronic Technician, Howard followed a new calling. In 1990, he founded a small family business in Norwich, New York, called Good Earth Chimney Sweep. There is a saying that seeing a chimney sweep, or shaking hands with one, brings good luck. Those who knew Howard felt especially blessed, not by chance, but by knowing a man of rare kindness, integrity, and joy. Rarely without a smile, Howard’s warm humor and cheerful spirit made him a welcome presence in every home he visited.

Howard devoted his working life to cleaning, repairing, and maintaining countless chimneys, taking immense pride in his craft. In 1995, he was featured on the front page of the Business Insider section of Chenango County’s Hometown Daily newspaper, sharing his passion for his work with the community. His customers became lifelong friends, and his reputation was built on trust, excellence, and faith. Wearing his trademark black top chimney hat, Howard quietly witnessed for Christ through his business, with John 3:16 printed on every business card and also on his work trucks. Many customers affectionately called him “John” instead of Howard, a mistake he welcomed as a conversation starter to share the Gospel. He faithfully ran a booth at the Chenango County Fair each year, where he gladly spoke with families and visitors about chimney safety, fire prevention, and proper home care. More than just sharing information, Howard valued the opportunity to connect with people, answer questions, and build relationships within the community he loved so deeply. Whether at the fair, in a customer’s home, or simply in conversation, Howard’s kindness, knowledge, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on all who met him. With the help of his sons, Howard continued sweeping chimneys until declining health forced him to stop 4 years ago. He faithfully served his community through this business for 35 years, passing it on to his family before his passing.

Howard’s faith in God was the foundation of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. He lived as a quiet but steadfast witness for Christ through both his actions and his generosity. Though he could not travel the world to preach the Gospel, he faithfully supported missionaries and ministries across many nations. He was a devoted supporter of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, CBN Operation Blessing Disaster Relief, and Samaritan’s Purse, believing that obedience to God’s call does not require recognition—only faithfulness. His consistent generosity helped advance humanitarian and spiritual work around the globe. Howard’s legacy endures in every life touched and every need met through the ministries he supported so faithfully throughout his life.

Howard was a devoted and longstanding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Norwich, New York. He actively participated in men’s ministry, Bible study groups throughout the surrounding areas, and family small-group Bible studies held in homes. He loved inviting others to church and, in earlier years, often provided transportation for those without it.

In 2015, Howard joined with approximately twelve men from several local churches to form the Norwich Knights of the 21st Century, a local chapter of a national organization dedicated to equipping godly men to live with Christlike character and purpose. Meeting on Tuesday mornings, they studied biblical character traits of a true knight, men committed to truth, faith, humility, leadership, and the protection of family, church, and community. Howard earned six honors and “Sir” titles through years of deep study, teaching, accountability, and fellowship. These brothers in Christ sharpened one another in faith, walking together in devotion to God, family, and church.

A devoted father and grandfather, he took great joy in celebrating the achievements of his children and grandchildren. Howard had a special love for animals and once raised farm animals in East McDonough, New York including his beloved horse and foal, Mona and Lisa—fondly known as his “Mona Lisa” horses. During Howard’s life in East McDonough, New York, he was known and loved for the many ways he poured himself into his community and his church. One of the most cherished roles he carried was being a Santa Claus impersonator for many years. Beyond the festive seasons, Howard’s heart for service shone deeply in his church, the East McDonough Baptist Church. In times when the pastor was away, Howard humbly stepped in as a filling pastor, faithfully delivering God’s Word and caring for the congregation. He was also a coin collector, he loved wearing Hawaiian shirts in the summer and in his spare time, enjoyed gardening, building wind chimes to hang around his house and garden, feeding and watching the birds in winter, fishing, fixing things around the house, and spending meaningful moments with family. He especially loved playing Mexican Train Dominoes and took pride in maintaining the creek each year, creating a place where his children and grandchildren could play, laugh, and build cherished memories together.

Howard is survived by his twelve beloved children: Debbie Morton (Phil) of Jacksonville, Florida; Howard “Howie” Graham Jr. of Binghamton, New York; Raymond Graham of Norwich, New York; Kimberly Davidson (Scott) of Sherburne, New York; Lori Switzer (Daniel) of Norwich, New York; Stephanie Lowe (Nicholas) of Sherburne, New York; Rachel Piwonski (Adam) of Syracuse, New York; Christina Relyea (Robert) of Norwich, New York; Andrew Graham of Sherburne, New York; Jason Graham of Bardstown, Kentucky; Jared Graham of Lynchburg, Virginia; and Jordan Graham (Sierra) of Lynchburg, Virginia.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Luke, Hailey, Emily, Lindsey, Kendra, Kristen, Alexander, Tanner, Erica, Natalie, Adalynn, Dominic, Raelynn and Scarlett and precious great-grandchild, Lavena.

Howard was a gifted storyteller who loved sharing memories, especially how he met his wife online and traveled across the world in May 1999 to meet her after years of correspondence. He proposed to her on Valentine’s Day that same year, beginning a beautiful chapter of their lives together. On July 28, 1999, our lives were forever joined in a simple yet unforgettable ceremony at the Norwich City Court. The ceremony was officiated by the honorable Mr. Robert Raphael Jr., the Mayor of the City of Norwich. What made it even more special—and truly unforgettable—was seeing both Howard and Mayor Raphael wearing their distinctive chimney top hats during the ceremony.

Howard is lovingly survived by his devoted, loving and caring wife and lifelong partner in crime, Lonnie Batang Graham, of Norwich, New York, with whom he shared 26+ blissful years of marriage. He is also survived by his cherished mother-in-law, Betty Busak Purait of Malaysia and Norwich, New York; his beloved brother-in-law, Hactor Balang Matias and his family of Malaysia.

He also leaves behind a loving extended family, including cousins and their spouses, nieces and nephews, and their beloved children and in-laws, all of whom will deeply miss him.

Howard will be remembered as a faithful man of God, a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather whose compassion, prayers, and example deeply shaped those around him. Though his absence is profound, his life continues to point to his greatest hope—eternal life with Christ. Howard’s lifelong faith has now become sight; what he believed on earth, he now sees in the presence of his Savior. His last breath here became his first breath in heaven, entering into peace, joy, and the everlasting love of the Lord he served so faithfully. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Howard’s memory and legacy to consider a donation to The Knights of The 21st Century Ministry, 200 N 7th ST, LEBANON, PA 17046.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of Howard Graham will be held on Sunday, April 12th at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 North Broad Street, Norwich, New York. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday for calling hour from 1:00p.m. until the time of service at 2:00p.m with Pastor Jeremy Kotash will open the service with prayer and the reading of the Scriptures and Rev. Kenneth “Skip” Lewis will officiate. Interment and graveside services will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich, New York after the service.

All are warmly invited to attend and join in remembering and celebrating Howard’s life, faith, and lasting legacy.

To leave the family a message of condolences online or sign the book of memories please visit fahyfuneralhome.com