Jerold "Jerry" L. Graves

Jerold L. Graves

Jerold “Jerry” Graves, age 75 of East Springfield, Pa., died suddenly Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at his home.

Jerry was born in Conneaut, Ohio on June 5, 1949, the son of the late Carl “Max” and Katherine (Sisson) Graves.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War after graduating from Northwestern High School. Jerry was a hard-working man. He worked his entire life as a machinist in various shops in the area He started out at G.E. (Wabtec), and then he worked for Specialty Valve in Fairview. Jerry retired after 17 years of service from Connex in Fairview.  

Jerry was a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494 and was a member of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department where he served for many years as a Fire Police Officer. He also was a member of the Northwestern Sportsmans’ Club. He was an avid Ham Radio operator and sat in his office at different times of the day, listening and talking on his radio system. When he wasn’t on the radio, he attended Model trains with his son. He enjoyed looking for bargains at the yard sales, chatting with everyone, and going to gun shows. He attended the Federated Church and the Methodist Church. 

Jerry married his wonderful wife, Doris Mae Shields on October 10, 1975. This year would have been their 49th Anniversary. He is also survived by his son, Jason (Jennifer) Graves of Girard, Pa, and six grandchildren: Tyler Graves, Ryan Graves, Jo-Ann Bronson, Tiffany (Zack) Sanford, Dixie Lewis, and Kelly Lewis; and four great-grandchildren: Theo Sanford, Deamian, Lillian, and Aidan Wagner. 

Calling hours for Jerry will be held at the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home, 11883 Main Street, East Springfield, Pa on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and a Life Celebration for Jerry will be held at the Federated Church Family Center in East Springfield on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ed Huntley, officiating with military honors by the Girard American Legion Post 494 immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made in Honor of Jerry to either the Springfield Vol. Fire Dept, P.O. Box 79, East Springfield, PA 16411 or to the Girard American Legion Post #494, 42 Wall St., Girard, PA 16417.