Raymond Ernest Graf

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond E Graf, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, on February 1, 2025 at the age of 92. Ray was born on March 8, 1932 in North Tonawanda, New York to Arnold & Loretta (Bockhahn) Graf.

Ray met the love of his life, Erva Broeker Graf at a young age while summering in the family cottage on Lake Ontario where young Ray, his parents and sisters retreated to from the city. His heart never left the country or Erva, whom her married years later, as together they made their home on the shore of Lake Ontario in Youngstown, New York for over 50 years.

Ray graduated from SUNY at Morrisville, NY then served in the 2nd Army during the Korean Conflict in the Veterinary Corps while living in New Jersey. Together he and his bride returned to the lake to start their family life.

Ray worked for Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors in Lockport, New York retiring after 37 years as a Sr. Design Supervisor of Engine Cooling. While enthusiastically devoted to General Motors his heart was at home with the family and his farm! The three acres of grapes that he had planted for "something to do" kept him busy along with his ever-present projects like building a duplex, a garage and an addition to the home. While all of these kept him quite occupied, he never failed to find the time to drop everything and take the grandchildren out in the boat to waterski or to the Par 9 to get in a few holes.

Ray was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Harrison G-9 Management Club, New York State Grape Growers Association and the Harrison Golf League. Ray was a devout Christian and member of the Ransomville United Methodist Church where he served in multiple capacities. Ray, so generous with his time and talents, spent countless hard-working hours, in his spare time, volunteering for Habit for Humanity.

Ray was an avid golfer, traveler and boater. After retirement he and Erva spent the winter months in Mesa, Arizona at their condo, permanently relocating in Chandler in 2013.

Preceded in joining the Lord were his mother & father and two sisters, Gladys Edwards of North Tonawanda, NY and Katherine Hicks of Sarasota, Florida.

Survived by his wife of 72 years, Erva (Broker) Graf, and two children, Robert (Marie) Graf and Laurel(Eddy) Nichols; seven grandchildren, Mark (Jessica) Graf, Todd Graf, Tyler (Brittney) Graf, JC (Rahnna) Nichols, Kyle (Aurelia) Nichols, Ryan Nichols and Amanda (Dominick) Isaacson and 11 great-grandchildren. Ray loved them endlessly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 1pm followed by a luncheon.

In memory of Raymond Graf, the family asks that you make donations to: Suncrest Hospice and Palliative Care. 4650 E Cotton Center BLVD STE 250, Phoenix, Arizona 85040.