Donald A. Graves' Obituary
Donald A. Graves, 87, of Union, CT, husband of the late Hazel J. (Chapin) Graves, peacefully passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 in the home he built surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield, MA, son of the late Walter and Evelyn (Walker) Graves. Don honorably served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He spent most of his career working for General Electric as a Technical Manager. Don was a member of the Congregational Church of Union, where he served as head deacon for many years, and sang bass in the choir. Don loved sports. He played softball his entire life, recently honored for his 30 years with the Vernon Senior Softball league. He also kept young participating in Friday night volleyball games and pickleball three times a week. When he was not playing sports, he enjoyed watching his Red Sox, Giants, UConn, and Celtics games. Many fond memories were made camping annually at Hermit Island Campground in Maine where he dominated the volleyball court. Family was most important; he loved a good family party. He is survived by his children, Donna M. Graves, Denise Babbitt and her husband Steven, Darlene Kelly and her husband Sean, Douglas Graves, and Dianna Moore and her husband Conor; grandchildren, Ashley Graves, who lovingly cared for him at the end, Patrick Graves, Cameron Graves, Eli Babbitt, Samson Dacko, Elaina Babbitt, Emilia Babbitt, Shannon Kelly, Sean Kelly Jr., Brady Moore, and Brianna Moore; and great grandchildren, Airious, Shane, and Jordan. He was predeceased by sons, David and Daniel Graves; and grandsons, Corey and Joseph Graves. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 5-7 P.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11 A.M. at the Congregational Church of Union, 976 Buckley Highway, Union, CT. To honor Don and his love of sports, please wear your favorite sports jersey to the services. Yankees fans should leave their jerseys at the door. Burial with Military Honors will be held privately in Union Center Cemetery, Union, CT. Memorial donations may be made to the Congregational Church of Union, 976 Buckley Highway, Union, CT 06076. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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