Herbert J. Graves

He was born Sept. 3, 1929, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Hugh and Louise (Wingertszahn) Graves.

A lifelong area resident, Herbert was a graduate of Dunkirk High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-53 and was a member of the American Legion Post 62 in Dunkirk.

Mr. Graves had been employed as a steel worker for Al Tech Specialty Steel Corp. A gentleman farmer, Herbert enjoyed tending to his grapes and also was an avid car enthusiast. He was also known as the “Bicycle-Man” on Chestnut Street.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marilyn (Rossiter) Graves, whom he married Oct. 2, 1954; one daughter, Gail Graves of Dunkirk; one son, Jeffrey (Susan) Graves of Endwell, NY; seven grandchildren; Aaron Graves, Derek Griffith, Renee’ Griffith, Chad Graves, Daniel Graves, Colleen Chilson and Shannon Graves; three great- grandchildren: Dominic, Ryan, and Riley; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Douglas S. Graves; six brothers: Harold Graves, George Graves, infant brother Leonard Graves, Elmer Graves, Charles Graves, and Howard Graves; and four sisters, Henrietta Fisher, Mae Abbey, Dolores McIlvain, and Mildred MacCubbin.

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Willowbrook Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Herbert’s memory to the Fredonia Fire Department, or, Chautauqua Hospice.