Obituary of Walter Graham

Walter “Whitey” Graham dedicated his life to his family, church, and community, passed away suddenly of an anuerysm at the Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridgeon Thursday, July 9, 2009. He was 64 years old. Whitey was born in Woburn the son of long time Burlington residents, the late Frederick and Violet Graham. He grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 1962. He went on to attend Northeastern University. Whitey managed his own contracting company and was working in Cambridge went he took ill. He had also worked with his family as a Property Manager for Graham Associates, which owned a large number of Office Buildings and the town skating rink. Whitey was a prominent member of the Masons, Simonds Lodge AF & AM. He was a Past Master, Presiding District Secretary, and held numerous other postions within the Masons. He was a member of the Kilted Kraft and the Concistry in the Masons. He was also a member of the Shriners. He was the recipient of the Joseph Warren Medal for his outstanding service in the Masons. He was involved in all the many activities and Charities of the Masons, and was proud to be involved in the Angel Fund. Whitey was also a member of the Klaxon Antique Car Club which he was Past President of and the Graham Motor Club. Whitey had just participated in Burlington’s Fourth of July parade and on Tuesday ran his annual blood drive in memory of his daughter Vickie. Whitey was an extremely active member of the Presbyterian Church in Burlington. He served as an Elder and Deacon in the church. He taught Sunday school and was extremely active in the many programs and affairs of the Church. In the absence of the minister this Sunday, Whitey was scheduled to preach at the Sunday service. He had a strong faith and was proud to share his belief with his family and friends. Whitey was a devoted family person. He was a loving and supportive husband. He was a caring father and foster father. His home was like an open door. He welcomed children in need of a loving and caring home. Some children stayed for a short while, while others stayed with them for years. His home was always bursting at the seams with children and always filled with love and laughter. His faith and devotion to family were a shining example that individuals can make a difference in the world in which we live. Whitey will be lovingly remembered by all those he touched throughhout his 64 years. Whitey was the beloved husband of Jean (Petrie) Graham. He was the loving father of Barbara Ecklof, Christopher Marinucci, Alexander Graham, Andrew Graham all of Burlington and the late Vickie Graham. He was the grandfather of Ryan Ecklof. He was the brother of Frederick Graham of AL and the late John Graham. He was the son-in-law of Hazel Petrie of New Bedford and the late Alexander Petrie. He is also survived by many foster children, nieces, nephews, friends, and children of his heart. Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Burlington, 335 Cambridge St. on Tuesday, July 14 at 11 a.m. Visiting hours wil be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Win n St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday from 4-8 p.m. ending with a Masonic Service at 8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Whitey’s name may be made to the Angel Fund, c/o Bruce Judson, 16 Ledgewood Dr., Burlington, MA 01803.