Donald Joseph Graham
Donald Joseph Graham, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, March 27, 2025. He was born on September 10, 1934 and raised in Pittsburgh, but moved his family to Erie in 1976 for work, eventually retiring from GE in 2001. Following his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife of 62 years, Beverly. With their zest for life, keen senses of humor, and penchant for gambling, they loved frequenting locations like Salamanca, NY and Las Vegas, NV. When they had enough of the Erie snow, they could also be found on a beach somewhere with their toes in the sand. More than any other vacation, they enjoyed the ones spent with their children and grandchildren.
As a Pittsburgh native, he enjoyed Steelers football, a trait passed down to his children, and his home was the site of many playoff and Super Bowl watch parties. His was also host to the annual Christmas Eve party, an event that many in the family fondly remember as loud, with an overwhelming amount of food, and too many people crammed into one home but filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Donald was a strong man and a hard-worker, who was driven by the desire to provide for his large family who were his pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Beverly Graham. He is survived by his younger sister, Marlene; his six children, David Graham, Don Scott Graham, Lisa Cunningham (Gary), Kevin Graham (Robin), Gary Graham (Cheryl), and Amy Cunningham (Ed), as well as his 10 grandchildren Brian, David, Sean, Ryan (David), Lauren (PJ), Megan (Robert), Andrew, Dylan, Matthew, and Kylie. He was also a great-grandfather to Miles, whom he adored watching grow for the last 2.5 years.
The family will be holding a private memorial service on Saturday, April 5, 2025.