A kindhearted man whose integrity will be missed by all
MELROSE — Clifford H. Graves, lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 with his family by his side. He was 90.
Born on February 23, 1931 in Malden, he was one of nine children of the late Ernest R. and Elsie M. (Parsons) Graves. He grew up in Melrose graduating from Melrose High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps service honorably during the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged, Clifford returned to Melrose and married his beloved Barbara L. Sizer on November 22, 1952 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Malden.
Clifford and Barbara raised their family in Melrose. He went to work for Bailey’s of Boston, becoming Vice President. He retired in 1989 but his love for good chocolate and decadent desserts lasted a lifetime. He truly enjoyed his work at Bailey’s and made numerous life-long friendships.
Though Clifford was a firm believer in hard work, family came first. He doted on Barbara and adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was active in their lives and taught them the values of a strong work ethic, kindness, and selflessness. He would drop anything to help a family member, friend, or neighbor in need.
Clifford was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Malden where he sang in the choir and was knighted as King in the Order of Sir Galahad. As a young father, Clifford and his family attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose. Gardening, cheering on the Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots were also favorite activities of Clifford.
When time allowed, the family enjoyed trips to the family farmhouse “up country” in Northwood, New Hampshire.
Clifford’s integrity, kindheartedness, and incredibly firm handshake will be missed by all.
Clifford was the cherished husband of Barbara L. (Sizer) Graves with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Devoted father to Susan C. Collins and her late husband, Jack, of Wilmington; Debbie Carli and her husband, Don, of Wilmington; Steven C. Graves and his wife, Lu-Ann, of Reading; and Judy L. Hood and her husband, Bill, of Newton, NH. Dear brother of Harry Graves, Lee Graves, the late Harvey Graves, Elizabeth Pickett, June Amazeen, Ruth Hubner, Robert Graves, and Ernest Graves. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his sister-in-law Shirley Graves.
Relatives and friends were invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and for his funeral service celebrated at 12 p.m. Interment with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
If you wish, donations in Cliff’s memory may be made to All Care VNA & Hospice, 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901 For online tribute please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.