Obituary Notice – Robert A. Graves

DUNKIRK: Robert A. Graves, 78, of Ruggles Street, Dunkirk, passed away Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Dunkirk on August 10, 1946, the son of the late Elmer and Isabelle (Gorczynski) Graves.

  Robert was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1964.  He started working at the former Kobackers in Dunkirk prior to working for the former Silver Creek Pennysaver. Robert then worked for the Fredonia Pennysaver, Kmart & Smith’s True Value.

  At one time he was active with the Grape Festival and a member of the Northern Chautauqua Rifle & Pistol Club. He enjoyed searching for Indian artifacts with John McHenry, watching Music on the Pier and walking fields to find arrowheads, which he had a large collection of. Robert loved fishing with his grandchildren & son-in-law Sammy, gardening with his daughter Amy, attending fairs & events, sightseeing and visiting Jenna’s 4th Street Cafe regularly.

  Survivors include a daughter, Amy (Sam) Graves Correa, of Dunkirk; three step daughters, Lisa (Bill) Backus, of Watertown; Pennie (Rolly Howard) Dickinson, of Forestville; Theresa (Tim) Burke, of Florida; and a sister, Karen (Pat) Gustafson, of Bemus Point.  Also surviving are several grandchildren including Lane Grant, Erin, Jacob & Lucas, Evelyn & Carter; special family friends Dominic “Don” Lisa Schultz, Jim Pelletier & Tom McKelvey and several nieces & nephews.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Judy M. (Griewisch) Graves whom he married on April 24, 1984 and who died February 19, 2018 and by two sisters; Elaine Dragon & Dolores Szukala.

   Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday morning from 10-11 AM from where Funeral Services will follow at 11 o’clock with Rev. David Watson, pastor of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating.

  The family suggests memorials may be made to Sadie’s Safe Harbor Canine Rescue, P.O. Box 451, Buffalo, NY 14223.  To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.