Joseph Martin Graham Jr.

Joseph was born July 7, 1945 to Joseph and Mary Lee Graham Sr., in Detroit, Michigan. He was a resident of the city of Grosse Pointe Woods for over 60 years. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Mussill) for 50 years; loving father of Jennifer Nadeau (Glenn); dearest grandfather to Kyle and Mackenzie (Colin Brewer); dear brother of Mandy Legato (Mark), Bridget Zyburski, Cathy Zelinski (Dave), loving Uncle to Alicia, Chris, Megan, Terry, Michelle. In addition, survived by great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Joseph attended St. John Berchmans grade school, was a graduate of Servite High School (63’) and received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Lawrence Institute of Technology in 1969. While in college, he worked as a line cook at the Original House of Pancake on Mack Avenue. It was there that he found the love of his life, Patti, she was a waitress. In 1970 they married and started what was 50 years of the most wonderful life.

Joseph was employed with Detroit Edison for his entire professional career, following in the footsteps of his own father, Joseph Sr. He began as a linesmen, and retired in Detroit Edison’s top management. Over the years, he wore many hats with the company; Accounting, Control Auditor, and Information Services. Each one was memorable.

His favorite past time was by far sailing. His love for sailing came at an early age, when he used to spend time building boats with his grandfather. That progressed to becoming Commodore of the Detroit Edison Boat Club in 1976, as well as a board member for many years. He met some of his best friends sailing, and especially enjoyed owning a few racing Catamaran’s. It was during that time that he and his crew would race the Port Huron to Mackinaw; one year taking third in their class.

He worked as a consultant for Oracle for a few years, after leaving Detroit Edison. He then decided to take the time to fully retire. Shortly after, Patti did the same. They traveled and enjoyed each other’s company. He made sure that they would be at every soccer and basketball game for their grandchildren (from youth to college), and you would find him from time to time on Grosse Pointe North’s fields taking pictures for the Field Hockey or Girls Soccer teams. He also would be in the gym, every Tuesday and Friday night - snapping pictures of his grandson and the Varsity Basketball team. Together, he and Patti, embraced family to its fullest and passed that on from generation to generation. He would even make certain not to miss, with Patti in the passenger seat, any home or away soccer game in Chattanooga for their granddaughter Mackenzie. That included her college games as well-which took them across the Midwest. He was a devoted, loving grandfather.

Commonly referred to as “Marty” or “Joe G “by family and close friends; he was known for his kindness, generosity, understanding, laughter, great stories, and deep knowledge of nearly everything. But most of all, known for loving his family.

Joseph will be missed by many, remembered by all, and will always hold a special place in all of our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 9AM to 12PM, immediately followed by a chapel service at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. A burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery in Oakland County.