Obituary of Peter John Graham

Peter John Graham, lifetime resident of Bath NY, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to so many, passed quietly at home on September 7, 2013. Born September 2, 1948, he was pre-deceased by both parents, Richard and Martha MacCallum Graham. Surviving him is his high school sweetheart, wife, and best friend, Diane Beekman Graham. They recently celebrated 45 years of marriage, with family and close friends. Other survivors include two aunts, Mary Graham Platts, Livonia MI and Joan MacCallum, Warsaw NY; children Ret. Army Major Jonathan (Major Jean) Graham, Tolland CT, Tricia (Grant) Garringer, Long Beach MS; siblings J. Michael Graham, Pine City NY, Stephen (Brandi) Graham, Bath NY, Marcia Fisher, Bath NY, and Lisa Graham, Wilmington NC; grandchildren Joshua D. Lathrop, Cameron, Jenna, and Spencer Graham, and Georgia Garringer, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pete grew up in the Episcopal Church with his grandfather, the Rev. Dwight Graham, Rector. He had many fond memories serving as an acolyte and climbing to the top of the bell tower. Pete was an avid swimmer and scouting enthusiast. He enjoyed minimalist camping. In fact, as a child he and his brothers would spend cold winter nights tent camping on Mossy Bank, a rite of passage he also shared with his son Jonathon. Pete enjoyed the beach and building extensive forts and sand castles with his children and grandchildren, horseback riding, building military models, and playing video games. Most of all Pete enjoyed the company of friends and family. Pete was a 1969 graduate of Haverling High School. His first job was an extensive bicycle route delivering newspapers all over the Village of Bath. He later worked at the M&R Restaurant, Westinghouse and then began what would be a 39 1/2 year career with the VA Medical Center. During Peter’s career he was a firefighter and Supervisor for the VA Fire Department and later transitioning to and retiring as a VISNZ Occupational Safety and Fire Protection Specialist in March 2013, Peter loved his job. While building his career with the VA, Pete also simultaneously served in the NY Army National Guard from 1976 to 2000 and retired as a Sergeant First Class after 24 years of service. Pete was active in Boy Scouting throughout his life and worked with his son Jonathan, his grandson Josh Lathrop, and nephew Brandon Graham as they participated in the BSA. He was a past member of the American Legion Honor Guard, Charles E. Westcott Post 173 in Bath, and the National Rifle Association. Pete joined the Bath Volunteer Fire Department in 1971 and remained a member for several years. While a member, he consistently volunteered his time and talent battling many large fires in and around the Village of Bath. Memorial donations may be made in Pete's memory to the Guthrie Cancer Center, 114 Columbia St, Corning, NY 14830 or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013, 11:00 AM, at St. Thomas' Church, in Bath with The Reverend J. Brad Benson officiating, followed by a light reception. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at the Bath National Cemetery with military honors. A celebration of Pete’s life will follow at the home of Stephen and Brandi Graham. Online condolences may be made at www.fagansfuneralhome.com.