Arthur G. Graves

Arthur G. Graves, 89, of DeRuyter, NY and formerly of Pitcher, NY, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2013, at Crown Center for Rehabilitation, Cortland, NY.

Mr. Graves was born in Coventry, NY on December 6, 1923, a son of the late George and Helen Sprague Graves.  A lifelong resident of this area, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a member and Past Commander of the Perry-Cook American Legion Post #973, S. Otselic.  He retired from Continental Cordage in Cazenovia after several years of service.  Prior to that, he had worked at both Gladding Corp. and Brewer-Titchener.  A loving father and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Linda (John) Peck of Pitcher, Truman “Butch” (Barbara) Graves of DeRuyter, JoAnne (Steven) Fuller of DeRuyter, Laurie (Jeff Endler) Sperger of Homer, and Jackie (Michael) Markoff of Cortland.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, John, Jr., Greg, Tanya, Jason, Angela, DeAnn, Kari, Tracy, Kayleigh, Katarina, Sydney, Daniel, and Damien; his great-grandchildren, Tyler and Sean; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Ethel Graves, on May 8, 1990; a son, Terry Graves, on November 14, 1996; and ten siblings.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Friday, September 20, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Fred M.S. Downs officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will be in Pitcher Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Graves may be directed to the Perry-Cook American Legion Post #973, 167 Valley View Rd., S. Otselic, NY 13155 or the Pitcher Cemetery Association, c/o Maryann Metcalf, P.O. Box 28, Pitcher, NY 13136.