Obituary of Arthur E. Graff

Arthur E. Graff, 79, of Santiago Way, Naples Florida, formerly a resident of Amsterdam, died Sunday July 9, 2006 in Amsterdam, New York. Born on June 25, 1927 a son of Arthur M. and Hattie Gibson Graff. He attended Amsterdam Schools and was a 1945 Graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his service in the military he graduated from New York Trade School as a Licensed Master Electrician. He married the former Ethel May Dawson on June 3, 1951. She pre-deceased him on May 18, 1993. Mr. Graff became a Professional Fire Fighter and was employed with the City of Amsterdam Fire Department retiring in 1973. He moved to Naples Florida where he was employed by the City of Naples as a signal technician retiring there in 1989. He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amsterdam and the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Naples, Florida. He was also a member of the Kenyetto Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Electrical Licensing Board of Examiners in Amsterdam. He is survived by his beloved companion, Patricia Hayner of Amsterdam. One son, David A. Graff and his wife Tawyna of Naples, Florida, five daughters, Ruth Ann Gallagher James of Concord, North Carolina, Susan Merendo Edward of Gloversville, NY, Elizabeth Barican of Naples, Florida, Patricia Torella of Naples, Florida and Nancy Ashley Richard of Bonita Beach, Florida. 13 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren and his dog Gracie also survive. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the United Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam and will be announced by the Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY. Interment will be in Galway Cemetery, Galway, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County S.P.C.A. State Hwy. 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12010.