Martin W. Graham, 83
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Martin W. Graham, 83, of Welcome Street, died after a long illness on Monday, May 4, 2009, at Fairview Hospital, surrounded by his family.Born in Great Barrington on June 9, 1925, son of William and Mary Cleary Graham, he attended the former Searles High School.
A Navy veteran of World War II, he let school in his junior to enlist and served three years as a gunner's mate, third class on the USS Murphy in the European theater. He was on board for the historic Malta and Great Bitter Lakes, Egypt, international conferences that included President Roosevelt and King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia in February 1945. He was honorably discharged March 22, 1946.
Mr. Graham learned the plumbing business working for David B. Grant. He worked his way simultaneously through the Great Barrington Fire District and Fire Departments, becoming district superintendent in 1959, and second assistant engineer in 1963. He was elected first assistant engineer, and was appointed the Fire Department's deputy chief in 1976. He served under Chiefs John Tracy, Mortimer Cavanaugh and Michael Fitzpatrick.
In all, he served the town as a member of the Fire Department for 48 years, retiring in 1995. His knowledge of the water systems in the town made him invaluable to the department, not only in fighting fires, but in preparing for incidents. He was steady and conscientious in his years as inspector of oil burners and underground tanks.
He was an avid sportsman and a life member and president of the Great Barrington Fish and Game Association, also serving several terms on its board of directors. He also was a life member of the James A. Modolo VFW Post 8348, a member of the Berkshire County Forest Wardens and a communicant of St. Peter's Church.
He and his wife, the former Betty Barnum, were married Oct. 5, 1946.
Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Barbara Roraback and her husband, Francis "Ike" Roraback, of Great Barrington and the Rev. Jill Graham of Monterey; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Roraback of Great Barrington, Jennifer Cassaday of Mesa, Ariz., and Graham-Michael Frank of Monterey; two great-grandchildren, Jonathon Roraback of Great Barrington and Cayleigh Cassaday of Mesa,and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, William Graham Jr. and Edward F. Graham, and a sister, Rosemary Gibbons.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mr. Graham will be concelebrated Friday, May 8, at 10 at St. Peter's Church by the Rev. William Murphy, pastor, and the Rev. Warren Savage of Westfield. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 7, from 4 to 7 at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires Inc. or to the Restoration Fund of St. Peter's Church in care of the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.