Larry F. Graves age 83 of Wellsville, NY died Friday August 14, 2026, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.
He was the loving husband of JoAnne Bierman Graves. They would have celebrated 40 years of marriage on November 22, 2026.
Larry was born on November 25, 1942, in Whitesville, NY, a son of Olney and Minnie (Picket) Graves.
He was an environmental engineer for many years. Larry enjoyed spending time with his wife, car shows, rebuilding old cars, stonework, carpentry, and listening to Elvis Presley Music with his son-in-law Dave. He enjoyed meeting his morning coffee buddies at Burger King, participating in the Elliot Ness days in Coudersport, PA. Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially watching his granddaughter Alexa compete in the Alfred University equestrian program, where he had to arrive first so he could get the best seat. With the other grandchildren he enjoyed watching their sporting events, such as baseball and girls’ soccer. Larry’s favorite holiday was Christmas, which he looked forward to every year. He proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne, 2nd of the 503-battle group in Vietnam and Europe.
Larry is survived by his wife, JoAnne; five children, Jeanette J. (Joe) Mitchell of Millerton, PA, Jacquelyn A. (David) Buckheit of Mansfield, PA, Jack L. (Heather) Sackett of Tioga, PA, Jason J. Sackett of MO, and Lori (Steve) Snyder of TX; 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Rebecca (Robert) Cheatman of Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and three brothers.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Baker Swan Funeral Home, 7 Church Street, Andover, NY from 1 to 2 PM. A time of sharing will follow the viewing. Burial with full military honors will be presented by Wellsville American Legion in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, NY.
Services are under the direction of Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc Mansfield, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
“An old paratrooper never dies they just slip away”
