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GRAFF -- Rev. Joseph Richard Graff, 96, an Albuquerque resident since 1950, was involved in many community organizations, and died peacefully of old age at home on August 4, 2005. Family, friends, and the Catholic Church will surely miss this humble man who devoted his life and poured out his spirit into everything he accomplished. He was a hard worker. His wife, Esther; his brother, Fred; and his sisters, Gertrude and Catherine Watson preceded him in death. He is survived by his caring son, Gerry and his wife, Linda; his loving daughter, Carolyn (Samantha) Graff; and his sister, Mary Ann Garrett of Dearborn, MI and her husband, Millege; and countless other family and friends. Joe was born on June 13, 1909 on a farm outside of Portland, MI. He was nine when his father, Edward Gensterblum died from a nationwide influenza that claimed many lives. His mother, Helena lived to the age of 92. At age 12 Joe went to work for Louis Guidi in their restaurant and by age 15 was driving the truck to and from Grand Rapids to get supplies. Joe was charming, and everyone in town like him. He seldom studied, but did well in school. He graduated from Portland High School where he was very athletic, an altar boy, played trombone in the school band, and became an eagle scout. He went on to Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and lived there for six years, working in the summers to earn his keep. Later in college he worked at the Catholic Boy's Camp Ozanam on Lake Huron where he passed on his skill as a strong swimmer to those less fortunate. He was Ordained in May of 1938. Joe was his mother's "pride and joy" because he always took care of everyone. He seemed to know how to do everything and he never ran out of energy. He spoke up and was not shy. He was always full of ideas and liked to do new things. Throughout Michigan Joe is remembered as a warm and caring man who enriched all lives that he touched. Joe and Esther, moved to Colorado in 1946 and then to Albuquerque, where he worked for New Mexico Marble and Tile. They established Graff Flooring in 1954. Many buildings in New Mexico bear the mark of his craftsmanship. He was active in the development of the Albuquerque Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association in New Mexico and in 1977 he was bestowed by national ASA, the "President's Award" for his outstanding contribution to the subcontracting movement. He also served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Highly dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo Parish, he became president of the Holy Name Society and helped form the St. Vincent de Paul Society there. Joe was active in the Boy Scout troop at St. Charles, and unselfishly volunteered for whatever needed to get done including being called to the St Charles Convent to help the sisters fix something. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member until his death, and was Chaplain of the Portland Chapter. He gave himself and his time generously during the improvements to the church, the building of the rectory, the convent, the school and the gym. After his beloved Esther passed away, Joe returned to the ministry in his hometown of Portland serving the Lord at St. Patrick's Church where among his other duties he was the school chaplain. Returning to Albuquerque, he broke bread with those at the Manzano Del Sol Nursing Home as their Chaplain, until his retirement at the age of 87. An accomplished master gardener, he enjoyed cooking, books, swimming, jokes and composing poems. He traveled extensively with his son to pursue the sport of Hot Air Ballooning. He preferred the camaraderie of the crew, and often said he had much more fun on the ground than in the air. Joseph's rosary will be recited Sunday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with Esther. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Sun August 07, 2005