"He did it his way — with heart, humor, and honor."

Donald Graham a proud Navy veteran, lifelong fisherman, and beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025 (age 98), surrounded by his loving family. His life was filled with service, love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on June 28, 1927, to Alice & John Graham. Don moved to Ware, MA at age 13. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS St. Paul in the South Pacific during World War II. As one of the last five surviving “Plank Owners” of the original 1,600-man crew, Don was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II. After the ceremony, he and his fellow sailors briefly explored China—a memory he cherished.

Upon returning home, Don completed both his junior and senior high school years in one year, then attended embalming school in Boston. He enjoyed watching Red Sox games at Fenway Park and held fond memories of that era.

On December 3, 1949, he married his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn (Ward). They had three children: Pamela Walz (Terrence), Debra Rhodes, and Jonathan Graham (Sheila). Don later moved to West Haven, Connecticut, launching a successful 28-year career with Economics Laboratory, Inc. (now EcoLab). Working with restaurants, Don often charmed chefs into serving him his favorite lunch: a chocolate milkshake and cheeseburger—on the house.

In 1963, Don moved his family to Guilford, Connecticut, where he enjoyed fishing the Guilford Lakes for largemouth bass and casting for bluefish in Long Island Sound. He found time to coach Little League, take the family camping, and always bring a smile to those around him.

After his first marriage ended, Don married Patricia Montgomery and embraced a blended family, including stepson Les Montgomery (Minny) and stepdaughter Sharon Tarantino.

Don was a passionate Sunday football fan, an excellent horseshoe player, and a savvy antiques buyer with a sharp eye and a gift of gab. He was known for his clever sayings—his “pearls of wisdom”—like:
"Never pet a dog that’s on fire."
"One boy is one boy. Two boys is half a boy. Three boys is no boy at all."
"How you makinute?"

Upon retirement, he moved to Cortez, Florida, where he fished nearly every day. He often joked, “I’ll play golf when I get old.” He never played…

Later in life, Don moved to North Carolina to live with his daughter. He traded his fishing rod for a camera, capturing nearly 30,000 photographs of landscapes, birds, and the beauty around him. His love for nature, birds, and cats never faded. He remained strong and independent, giving a telephone interview about his Navy service just one week before he died.

He is survived by his children: Pamela Walz (Terrence), Debra Rhodes, Jonathan Graham (Sheila), and Les Montgomery (Minnie); along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who loved him.

 He was pre-deceased by his wives, Marilyn Russo and Patricia Graham, stepdaughter Sharon Tarantino, and son-in-law Thomas Rhodes.

Don will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida at a later date. 

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. 

“Fair winds and following seas, Don, your watch is over.”