His parents, Erwin and Rhoda (Harper) Graves welcomed their son into the world on August 23, 1944 in Greenfield, Mass. Robert grew up in Greenfield on the family farm. He was a graduate of Greenfield High School and attended Greenfield Community College.
Robert enlisted in the Navy on December 30, 1965 and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on October 1, 1969, receiving the meritorious unit commendation and the Navy achievement medal.
At the age of 18, Robert started his work career with Deerfield Plastics Company, retiring after 32 years as their project manager. When not hard at work, Robert took great solace in tending to his peach and apple trees, and meticulously caring for his yard. He could sometimes be found playing on his tractor, digging up rocks and building stonewalls.
He enjoyed open water and ice fishing, especially for walleye and crappie. He loved animals, especially his dogs, and had a gentle touch in feeding his chipmunks, sometimes feeding right from his hands. He also loved watching the Bruins.
He will be greatly missed by many, especially his son, Sean P. Graves and his wife, Heather, of Spofford; his two grandchildren, Tanner and Shelby Graves of Spofford; his daughter-in-law, Amy Graves of Maryland; a sister-in-law, Jeanette Millar of Keene, NH; a niece, Judy Alexander, of Swanzey, NH; and his good friend and fishing buddy, Steve Underwood of Chesterfield, NH; Robert was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Eleanor A. (Colby) Graves on October 14, 2010; and a son, Jason R. Graves on April 6, 2004.
A celebration of life and visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH. All those in attendance are required to wear facemasks and to maintain the physical distancing protocols. A graveside service in the Village Cemetery, Westmoreland, NH, will be held privately by the family.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Graves’ memory to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
