Oril F Graves

Oril Franklin Graves, 82, of Water Edge, Port Kent, NY died peacefully, Sunday, October 28, 2012 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, following a long and wonderful life. He was born in Plattsburgh, NY November 23, 1929, son of the late Ralph and Daisy (Cram) Graves. He leaves behind Velma, his high school sweetheart and wife, of 61 amazing years. Other survivors include one very proud son Brad Graves and his wife Mary Ellen of Plattsburgh, an adoring daughter Wynne Graves-Moody and her husband Tim of Lee, NH, five wonderful grandchildren, Nathan Graves of Plattsburgh, Abby Graves of Plattsburgh, Colby Graves of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Ivy and Paige Moody of Lee, NH, and a very special niece, Cynthia Shortell and her husband Jim of Vermontville, NY. Oril treasured relationships with each of his grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments and many endeavors. Oril graduated from Plattsburgh High School, attended Champlain College for one year and then transferred to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked at Philco in Philadelphia, PA and then for ITT and Western Union in New York City. Living in Pennsylvania he was very active in his neighborhood homeowners association and with school activities. When Oril and Velma moved to New Jersey they ran a ceramic studio, where he spent numerous hours helping Velma in her thriving business. Their camp on Lake Champlain was the place where everyone would gather to enjoy the lake and each other. The fun never stopped and the hospitality and love found there was never ending. Upon retirement, Oril and Velma built their dream home on the camp lot and permanently returned to the Plattsburgh area. A beautiful home full of memories, where family and friends would gather and along with that, came unforgettable times, warm smiles and wonderful holiday celebrations. Throughout their retirement they traveled the Northeast enjoying their grandchildren's plays, dance recitals, soccer games, hockey tournaments and countless other events. He loved to sit for hours visiting with his grandchildren and hearing the tales of their adventures. Oril was also an active member of the Northern New York Genealogy Society, having served as treasurer. Oril lived life to the fullest and always had a smile on his face. The inspiration and memories he left behind will be cherished by all that met him. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 1, at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 2, at St. John's Church, 7 Margaret St., Plattsburgh. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Keeseville, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Oril's memory may be made to Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.