Obituary of Roland R. Graves

ROLAND R. GRAVES Latham- Roland R. Graves, 86 of Latham, beloved husband of Helen Keller DeSantis Graves, met with the Angels on Sunday Feb 2, 2014. Born in Schenectady on August 22, 1927, he was the son of the late Roland J. and Grace Pratt Graves. He was the husband of the late Grace Lomonoco Graves. He was a graduate of CBA in 1945 where he served as a Captain and he then attended Siena College in Loudonville. Roland served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army as a Tech-5 from 1945 to 1946. He was a Supervisor with the New York State Department of Labor for over 47 years retiring in 1994. Roland was a Life Member of the Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 where he served as a former Trustee. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for over 34 years and was active on the "hoop shoot" committee as well as the bingo committee. He was also a Life member of the Polish American Citizens Club and a member of the Hart Social Club at Beltrone Living Center and the Joseph Zaloga Post in Albany. Roland was a musician who enjoyed playing saxophone and trumpet. In his younger years he loved ice skating and bike riding. He had a love for animals and enjoyed bird watching as well as his cup of "hot - hot tea and sweets. Roland enjoyed camping and had made many friendships over the years especially at Deer-Run in Mechanicville. Survivors include the love of his life Helen (Keller) DeSantis Graves who he married on November 30, 2002, his children Suzanne (James) Rubino of Colonie, Lori (Daniel) Byron of Clarksville, Deborah (Thomas) Green of Altamont, Roland (Susan) J. Graves Sr. of Slingerlands, and Paul (Lisa) M. Graves of Delmar, his step-children Joseph (DeDe) DeSantis II of Utah, Michele (William) Giovannettone of Long Island and Toni Barrett of Rotterdam and his 15 cherished grandchildren, 8 Step Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren and 2 Step Great Grandchildren as well as his sister; Beverly Uliva of Peru, NY and his in laws; Theresa Lomonoco, Martin Keller and Alice Marie Quinlan and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday February 7, 2014 from 4-8 P.M. at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 8 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham. Fr Geoffrey Burke will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of the Assumption, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or The Colonie Elks Lodge #2192 Building Fund 11 Elks Lane Latham, NY 12110 Interment will take place in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.