“Mac” was born July 11th, 1934, in Natick, Massachusetts, to Robert and Josephine (Cahill) McGraham of Newton. He was the oldest of two sons, Roland McGraham (brother).
Mac joined the United States Air Force in 1951; where he met and married his beloved Helen (Martin). They were stationed throughout the world with duties in Japan, England, and Thailand; with several stops at AF bases stateside; including the states of Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, and retiring in Arizona after 20 years. While in England they had their first two children, Mark (son) in 1956 and Terry (daughter) in 1957. When they were stationed in Springfield, MA, they were blessed with their third child, Jackie (daughter) in 1959.
After retirement from the USAF while at Luke AFB in 1971, Mac and Helen settled their family in Arizona. Mac was a skilled technician, specializing in the high demand field of air-conditioning in Arizona. He worked for JC Penny for ten years; and then retiring after 20 years from the Glendale Union High School District. Mac never really retired; he took care of his clients with excellent follow up and customer service that is rare in today’s world. Mac had a passion for his hobbies; whether they were his cars, boats, motorcycle, and dogs, just to name a few. Mac enjoyed his family, but his true enjoyment came from Helen’s love of the family. When Helen was happy, Mac was happy.
Mac was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 66 years, Helen McGraham, on January 28th, 2022. He is survived by his brother Rollie McGraham (Amie), Son Mark McGraham; daughter Terry Carlson (Thomas J. Carlson); and daughter Jacqueline Cirricione Arndt (Scot). Mac was the grandfather of four; Courtney Schuh (Dan), Sean Carlson (Kelly), Ryan Schultz (Stephanie), and Christopher Carlson. And he was a Great-Grandfather to six; Jake Schuh, Taylor Carlson, Mia Schultz, Aspen Schuh, Marlee Schultz, and Ella Klaas.
Mac is now with his true love, Helen, in Heaven looking down upon his family with pride. He may even be sharing a knowing wink with those that catch it! Mac was a character that will be truly missed. His wry sense of humor was sharp; his sense of right and wrong was strong; and his opinion was there for the taking!
Please include the family in your prayers and thoughts during this period of grief and mourning.
God Bless us All, as he had Blessed Mac!
A Visitation for Robert will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 9:00 AM at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) - North Surprise, 23601 N 163rd Ave, Surprise, Arizona, with a Funeral service to follow. The Graveside service will occur Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, with military honors.
