John F. Graves, Sr.

ALBANY- John Graves, Sr., 81, passed from this world with his cherished family by his side February 22,2024.  Born on October 14, 1942 to Floyd and Grace (Considine) Graves, he spent his youth in Averill Park and most of his adult life in Albany.  He was a graduate of Averill Park schools, where he lettered in baseball and basketball.  John was a proud Marine, returned home, married the love of his life, Virginia, raised a family and was an employee of the US Postal Service until his retirement.

He was predeceased by his parents, his twin sister, Ann Terese, who passed at birth, his loving wife of 33 years Virginia (Ruscitto) and his brothers Matt and Tim.  He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church (formerly St. James), a huge Yankee fan and loved horseracing, euchre and karaoke.

Survivors include his children, John, Jr.(Peggy), Michael and Paul, grandchildren Brian, Kristina, Brett, Nicole, Courtney, Savannah, Logan and Kady, and sisters Kathy (Bill) Curley and Patricia Jones.  He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name.

John embodied fun and wherever he went-it turned into a party.  We will forever remember him leading family sing alongs, his stories (somewhat embellished), his famous dance moves and his karaoke prowess.  His family meant the world to him and if he could bring family, singing and dancing all together-his huge smile told the story.  He was a special Dad, Pip, brother and friend who was one of a kind. John was known by many “names” but whatever you knew him as, whether you were young or old, you had to love him.  Not too many people touch so many others in a positive way-but John did and he will be in our hearts always.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave, Albany on Friday, March 15, 2024 at  9am.  Interment to follow the Mass at St. Agnes Mausoleum, 48 Cemetery Avenue, Menands, NY.  Relatives and friends are invited and may visit at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY on Thursday, March 14 from 4-7 pm.