"I am very sorry to hear the sad news. We had many years of fun, flying balloons. He was a good pilot and a great person. I am thinking good thoughts for you and the family, Mary. Sean Quigley"
In loving memory of
Dale Allen Graves
October 9, 1941 - February 11, 2023
Dale Allen Graves
Greece, NY: Passed away on February 11, 2023 at the age of 81. Dale is predeceased by his parents, Harold & Ruby Graves; brothers Glenn & Harold Graves. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary (Nash) Graves; children, Debbie Larson, Cheryl (Bob) Hunsche, Daniel Graves, Brian (Cindy) Graves & Michelle (Doug) Martin; grandchildren, Jen Munson, Kristi (Tom) Munson, Kari Cummings, Scott Cummings, Sean (Rebekah) Cummings, Joe (Libby) Graves, Christian (Casey) Graves, Ben Graves, Becca Graves, Michael (Allie) Martin & Heather (Alex) Giles; great-grandchildren, Juliana Costa, Ben Everts, Jackson Chilsen-McCloskey, Nadia Riddle, Ashley Cummings, Isaac Cummings, Abel Cummings, Ethan Cummings, Emily Graves & Aubrey Giles; great-great-granddaughter, Rylie Holden; sisters, Gertrude Pruess, Barbara Rewolinski, Anne Suite & Linda Mistretta; several nieces & nephews.
Dale was born on October 9, 1941 to Harold & Ruby Graves, in Wauwatosa, WI. He joined the Navy at the age of 17, where he served our country for over 22 years. Dale was married in 1965 to his wife, Mary. After a successful career in the Navy, he and his family settled in New York State where he started his second career with Kodak. Dale was an avid hot air balloon pilot who loved to share his passion for the sport. He loved spending time with his family and exploring the country in their motor home and at balloon festivals. Everywhere he traveled he made fast friends or saw someone he knew, from the Navy to Kodak, ballooning and every adventure in between. His friendly presence and his love for his family and friends will forever be missed.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held 1:30pm on Thursday, at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane. Please honor Dale by wearing tropical attire. His burial with military honors will follow, in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made in Dale's name to the Disabled American Veterans, https://www.dvnf.org/donation/
Tributes
"When I think of Dale, I remember all the fun, happy times we had on Columbia Street in Brunswick and at their home in Lisbon Falls, 50 years ago. He always was a tease, happy go lucky, always willing to help. I have fond memories of him calling me "Morris". Jim and I will miss you Dale.. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife Mary.. We love you! Jim & Marge "