Norman Marshall Graffam

Norman Marshall Graffam, 86, died at home in Kaneohe on Thursday, July 1, 2021. He was born June 15, 1935, in Beverly, Massachusetts to Wilbur and Anne Graffam. He graduated from Beverly High School in June 1953 where he was on the track team and began his military career in the United States Navy Reserve from January 1953 to June 1954.

Norman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1954, his work ethic was exemplary, earning him Good Conduct Awards and ranking from Private to Sergeant (E5). While serving at Kaneohe Marine Base Hawaii he met the love of his life, Anita Haili. They married in June 1956 and embarked on their lives together building a loving family and taking many adventures along the way. He left the Marine Corps in December 1962.

In January 1963 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served two tours to Vietnam earning a Bronze Star Medal in 1970 for “Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces.” Norman received the Army Commendation Medal- Oak Leaf Cluster four times for “Exceptional Meritorious Service.” He was awarded Good Conduct Medals six times for “Exemplary Behavior, Efficiency and Fidelity.” Some of his many duties included Artillery Surveyor, Party Chief, Chief Surveyor, and Intelligence. He served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Riley, Kansas; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Pinder Barracks, Zirndorf, Germany.

Norman retired from his 30-year military career in June 1984 as a Master Sergeant. He, Anita, and his family made Kaneohe, Hawaii their home.

After retiring from the military, he worked as a security guard, a life insurance salesperson for MONY, and did data entry for Guardian Life insurance. Finally retiring the workforce in 2015.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, watching current event news programs on TV, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles on his tablet and he found his favorite hobby, an online racing game “Real Racing 3- Team KWMG” where he met many friends around the world and enjoyed racing and interacting with them daily. He boasted of the many cars he owned, and race tracks he raced, virtually.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Louis) Robertson; sons Norman Graffam, Jr. and Frank (Raydeen) Graffam; granddaughter Anita Robertson; grandsons Darius Graffam, Louis Robertson, Jr. and Dane (Amber) Robertson; great-grandsons Liam Robertson and Logan Robertson; brother William (Roberta) Graffam of Danvers, Massachusetts; sister Judith Nokes of Ipswich, Massachusetts; brother-in-law Charles (Cora) Haili; brother-in-law Chester Alapai and many nieces, nephews, friends, and other family.

Norman is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Anita as well as parents Wilbur and Anne Graffam.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BorthwickOahu.com for the Graffam family.

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