- Date Of Birth: October 11, 1934
- Date Of Death: March 30, 2021
- State: Massachusetts
WESTHAMPTON, MA – Donald Rhoades Graham, 86, passed away peacefully at home under the care of Hospice of the Fisher Home. He was surrounded by family and friends during his last weeks until his death on March 30, 2021.
A proud Korean War veteran, Donald enlisted in the US Navy on June 23, 1953 and served until June 6, 1957. During this time, he was stationed on both the U.S.S. ARD-16 and U.S.S. PURDY, where he met his friend of 65 years, Guy Fox. During a maintenance repair in dry dock, Guy noticed Don was pinned between ships and was able to save his life by pulling him to safety using a crane. This was just one of Don’s famous stories that he shared many times throughout his life. Guy and Don’s long-distance friendship lasted to the day of Don’s passing.
Don was also an avid athlete- he was so proud to have pitched a no-hitter in the eighth grade for the championship youth baseball league. He continued playing softball until he retired, pitching at the age of 56 in the Maines field softball league, when he again pitched a 26-0 no-hitter. His competitiveness didn’t stop there, as he enjoyed golf, horseshoes, football, baseball, bowling, and the occasional hunting outing back in the early years.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy A. (Judd) Graham; his son Donald P. Graham and wife Kim Graham of Conway; his son-in-law Jim LaBerge and his granddaughter Kerri LaBerge of Westhampton; his grandson Casey LaBerge and wife Sarah of Belchertown; his brother Bob Graham and wife Peg of Easthampton; his sister Sandra (Graham) Greenwood and husband Edward of Goshen; his sister Darlene Graham and partner Tim Walters of Plainfield; and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Don joins his beloved daughter Beth A. (Graham) LaBerge, his parents James A.
