Charles “Chuck” H. Graham Sr. – age 95, beloved husband of Collette E. (Mailhiot) Graham died peacefully Monday, June 15 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Cambridge, May 31, 1931 a son of the late Herbert and Anna (Geary) Graham and was raised in Cambridge, but always wanted to live in the country. That was made a reality when they moved to rural Billerica in 1960. Creating a life and family legacy which still resides at their home on Baldwin Road.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a B-36 Bomber mechanic. He was discharged with honors to return home to care for his ailing father.
Chuck was employed as a Lineman and later a Forman and Mechanics supervisor for N.E. Telephone having worked for 38 years before his retirement. He was a member of the Billerica Knights of Columbus and the Billerica Lodge of Elks. He played Santa Claus at the Billerica Library for over 30 years and brought joy to thousands of children over decades as the “Jolly old elf.” Santa Clause was not just a part time job, he exemplified the values of giving, generosity, community and love every day.
Chuck is survived his wife of 72 years Collette and by his children, Collette Ferola and her husband James, Claudette Forbes and her husband Scott, Cynthia McKenna and her husband Paul all of Billerica, Charles Graham Jr and his wife Lisa of Manchester, NH, Christopher Graham and his wife Tanya of Merrimack, NH. His legacy included (19) grandchildren and (34) great grandchildren, soon to be 35!
Chuck is also survived by his sister Jean Roderick of Woburn. Last of the (7) Graham Sisters.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, June 17 at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 3-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Road, Billerica at 10 a.m. His burial with military honors will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made in Chuck’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Jun
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Funeral Mass
18
Jun
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
18
Jun
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
