Robert J. Graham, Jr.

WORCESTER-Robert (Bob) J. Graham, Jr., 86, of Tatnuck Park, formerly of Narragansett, RI passed away Thursday, June 9 surrounded by family, after a brief illness.

His wife of 61 years, Jean E. (Nordquist) Graham, passed away March 1.  He leaves five children, Lisa O’Neil and her husband, Sean of Worcester, Michael Graham and his wife, Lee of Marlborough, Mary Beth Bayes and her husband, Ryan of Austin, TX, Kristen Mulhern and her husband, James of Brookfield and Timothy Graham and his significant other, Michelle LaGrassa of Rutland; thirteen grandchildren, Jillian (Michael) McGrath, Ryan (Elizabeth) O’Neil, Dylan (Kelcey) O’Neil, Alyssa (Andrew) Babineau, Lauren (Nicholas) Fiorino, Zachary Graham, Patrick Mulhern, Jared Graham, Madison Bayes, Mackenzie (Nicolas) Moon, Johnny Keyes, Sydney Keyes and Eric Graham; six-great-grandchildren, Liam, Owen, Alexina, Caden, Parker and Mason, a sister, Peg (Dick) Tully of Charlton, a brother, Donald (Kim) Graham of Georgia, and a sister Linda Shedd of Charlton a sister-in-law, Donna Hagglund of Holden, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers-in-law Steven Hagglund, Carl and Ralph Nordquist, and a sister in law Donna Nordquist. He was born in Worcester, son of Robert and Florence (Rogers) Graham and graduated from South High School and attended the College of the Holy Cross. He then served in the US Air Force.

Following his time in the service, Bob joined the family business Worcester Molded Plastics, working alongside his father and uncles. Simultaneously he also began working with his father in a business that was started in the family home, Pilgrim Tool and Die. As the business grew, Bob would eventually take over operations and moved the family business to Southbridge Street in the early 7os’. Bob and Jean eventually ‘retired’ to their beach paradise in Narragansett, RI and they wintered for many years in Venice, FL.

Bob was active in many youth sports programs in Webster Square over the years as a coach and supporter. He co-founded the Worcester Vikings Football Program and was very involved with the Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth Leagues. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Main South American Legion Post.

Bob and Jean loved to travel and socialize. They had many groups of friends and saw many parts of the world together, from the Caribbean to many ports of call on the rivers of Europe. Bob was often the coordinator of group trips, dinners and parties. He was the first one to step up and give a helping hand to someone down on their luck, a widow or a neighbor in need. He liked nothing more than a practical joke or a funny pun. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.

Bob's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Tatnuck Park for all the friendships and the amazing community that he loved being a part of.

Visiting Hours are Monday, June 13 from 4 to 7pm Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 14 at 11am in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “One Company Fund” c/o Tatnuck Park, 340 May St. Worcester, MA 01602.