After starting his career at Smith-Corona Marchant, followed by Crouse Hinds and R.E.Dietz, Graham purchased the Ralph W. Earl Company, a fluid power distributor. With his background in manufacturing and finance, he saw the opportunity to offer customers more complete solutions through the assembly of complete hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Working with a great group of people in the company, his dreams became reality. The company’s further expansion into electronic automation solutions has been such a joy for him to see.
Graham was a past board member of the Fluid Power Distributors Association, the Rescue Mission, the Cazenovia Club, and Manlius Pebble Hill School. He had volunteered for the Francis House, which was very special to him. He was a past president of the Yale Club of Central NY and a past member of the Cazenovia Ski Club, the Century Club, the University Club and the Coral Beach & Tennis Club, Bermuda.
While he had many interests, Graham's greatest joy came from spending time with friends and family, with family trips holding a special place in his heart. Whether it was summer days on the boat, skiing with grandchildren, teaching them how to travel by train in a foreign country, playing in the sand on the beach, watching for the green flash at sunset, or simply playing hop on pop, when surrounded by family he was the happiest.
Graham’s best friend and wife of 63 years, Josephine Kane Wood, predeceased him in 2021. While he had known Joelle all his life, it wasn't until college that they fell in love and were married in June 1958. Together they built a wonderful life together, full of love and laughs, fun with friends and joyous times with family.
He is survived by his daughters Susan W. Holliday and Margaret (Terry) Holleran, son in law, Martin F. Holleran III, grandchildren, Megan DeJonge (Austin), Ryan Holliday (Caroline), Bradley Holliday, Shane Holleran, great granddaughter Eloise DeJonge and second great granddaughter to be born in June. Graham’s sister Nancy Wood Wellman and brother Charles A. Wood Jr. predeceased him.
Alzheimer's presents a series of increasingly tough challenges for any family. Over the last several years, Graham faced the challenges of this disease with his ever-present positive spirit and sense of humor. Our hope is that with awareness, education and research people will better understand the disease, how to support those with it, and how to reduce personal risk. Please consider supporting the Alzheimer's Association of CNY.
The family will have a private service and would like to thank everyone for their support. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.