Russell Francis Graham

Russell Francis Graham, 99, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on August 23, 2025, at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, NY. He was the widower of Lena Moccia Graham, who predeceased him in 2011 after 62 years of marriage.

Russell was born in Bridgeport, CT, on September 3, 1925, the son of the late Richard and Jennie (Haggerty) Graham. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II on the U.S.S. Stockton DD-646 and returned to the U.S. to serve in the Marine Corps for an additional three years. One of his notable contributions to history includes guarding Tokyo Bay on the day the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed, just a day before his 20th birthday.

After his honorable discharge, Russell spent the next 35 years driving for McLean Trucking Company in Stratford, where he and Lena raised their three daughters. They then moved to Valatie, NY, where he worked for the Ichabod Crane School District for ten years, and later for the Columbia County Transfer Station in Chatham, NY, retiring at the age of 94.

He was an extraordinary person who loved his family and his country, as evidenced by the U.S. flag always flying above his home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as an enthusiastic friend to many.

Russell is survived by his three daughters, Deborah (Robert) Reinckens of Hopewell Junction, NY, Jeanie Graham of Chatham, NY, and Gail (Patrick) DiCosmo of New Lebanon, NY, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on September 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, NY. Interment with military honors will take place on September 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Cemetery in Stratford, CT.