It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Graves at the age of 86. Also known as "Big Daddy" and "The Great White Hunter" to his hunting buddies, there wasn't a deer, fish, turkey, or goose that stood a chance if he was around. Lastly, as "King" he so deserved a crown living in a house full of girls.
Ron was born in Lyonsdale, NY and graduated from Port Lyden High School, where he served as class president, treasurer, student council president, and captain of the NYS Soccer Championship team. He would be the first to tell you that everything he accomplished was because "he was a good old Port Lyden boy!" He earned his associates degree in drafting and design at Canton ATI. His career spanned 44 years at Revere Copper and Brass in Rome, from starting in the mill right out of college ending up as customer service manager.
Ron made everyone he met laugh and fall in love with him. He was the family's stand up comic.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy (Evans) Graves; his brother, Phillip (Lola) Graves; his daughters, Janet (Bob) Mutton, Laurie (Steve) Czerwinski, and Mary Kaye (Bob) Price; his grandchildren, Kristina (Craig) Martel, Sean (Jocelynne) Mutton, and Melissa Pressley; his great grandchildren, Arianna (Matt) Williams, Nick Rincon, EJ Williams, Avery Mutton, Conor Martel, and Sammy Pressley; and one great, great grandchild, Harper Dyar. He was predeceased by his mother, Edith Criss; his father, Lester Graves; brothers, Lyle and Larry Graves; and his great grandson, Kristopher Manczak.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 22, from 2 to 4 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, with a service to follow at 4 PM.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the special caregivers from Nascentia Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 (www.hospicecareinc.org) Nascentia Health Charitable Foundation and mail it to: 1050 W Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13204, Attn: Foundation (nascentiahealth.org).
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.