Obituary of Robert Graff

Robert H. Graff died February 6, 2007 in Martin Memorial Medical Center, Stuart, FL. He was born on November 25, 1916 in Greenburgh, NY, the son of Cora H. and William T. Graff. Mr. Graff attended schools in White Plains, graduating from White Plains High School. He moved to Monroe, CT in 1938 from White Plains.

He was a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Force during WWII, having served 3 years. Mr. Graff retired from Avco Corporation, Stratford, CT in1983, having served as senior buyer in the purchasing department.

Robert was active in community activities in Monroe for many years, including the Boy Scouts, Little League and St. Peters Episcopal Church. He was a former member of the American Legion Post # 176, and was a lifetime member of the Stepney Fire Department and also served on the Monroe Police Auxiliary for many years, becoming a Sergeant. He served as Civil Defense Director for the Town of Monroe and as a Monroe Police Commissioner. He was a former member of the New York Athletic Club, NYC and a member of Poquonock Yacht Club, Bridgeport, CT. For years he maintained an interest in photography and served as police photographer and operated a small photography business.

In 1985, the Graffs moved to Lighthouse Point, Broward County, FL, where he volunteered for the Lighthouse Point Marine Patrol, and was a member of St. Nicholas Church. In 1994, they moved to Palm City, FL. He was an active member of the Anchor Line Yacht Club and has volunteered for the Martin County Sheriffs Department for 12 years as a parking enforcement officer; the American Red Cross, having gone away numerous times on disaster relief. He was a long time believer in volunteering and helping others.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan E. Graff of Palm City, three children: Cynthia Graff Ritzler (Greg) of Deerfield Beach, FL; Robert H. Graff, Jr of Newtown, CT; and Elizabeth (Betsey) Graff Heflin-Newell, (William) of Sarasota, FL and four grandchildren: Christopher William Heflin and Cori Joan Heflin of Sarasota, FL and Sara Elizabeth Ritzler and Michael William Ritzler of Deerfield Beach, FL; sister-in-law, Joyce Jones Wells and husband Sam Wells of New Hope, PA and Stuart, FL, brother-in-law, Henry and wife Clara Erickson of Danbury, CT; and 3 nephews.

Mr. Graff was pre-deceased by a sister and three brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 2475, Stuart, FL 34994, in Mr. Graffs memory.

A gathering will be 1:00 2:00 PM Saturday at Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City.

A memorial service will follow in the Chapel of the funeral at 2:00 PM, with Mr. Graffs son-in-law, Pastor William H. Newell officiating.