Bernard Carl Graham, 89, of 22503 Riverbend Dr. East, Watertown, passed May 11, 2017 at Country Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Carthage. He was born on May 29, 1927 in Watertown, son of Kenneth D. and Grace G. Taylor Graham. He attended Watertown High School.
He entered the US Navy on May 31, 1945 and was honorably discharged as a Seaman Second Class on July 26, 1946. He received the WWII Victory Medal and American Theatre Medal.
He married Maureen J. Heselden on May 29, 1949 at the Emmanuel Congregational Church in Watertown, NY.
From 1946 to 1976 he worked for his father at Kenneth Graham and Son. From 1976 to 1992 he owned and operated Graham Construction & Maintenance with his son Stephen.
He was a member of the Watertown Police Auxiliary, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, Red Cross Water Safety Program, Jeff- Lewis Boy Scouts Leader, Commissioner and the Silver Beaver Recipient, member of the Watertown Masonic Lodge #49 and Life Member of the Watertown American Legion.
He spent many years hunting, fishing and hiking at Graham Park in Pitcairn, NY. He also enjoyed many years of fishing and waterskiing at his cottage on Pillar Point. He also enjoyed bowling and flying his float plane. However, his greatest pleasure was spending time with family.
Among his survivors are his beloved wife of 67 years, Maureen J. Graham, Watertown; a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Linda Freas Graham, Pitcairn, NY; a daughter and son–in-law, Dawn and Dale Streeter, Gouverneur, NY; 6 grandchildren, 7 great- grandchildren; a brother David P. Graham, NC; a sister, Marilyn Buckingham, FL; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Wanda Graham Wells.
Calling hours will be Monday May 29, 2017 from 12 to 3 PM at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey St., Watertown with a memorial service to follow at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in the Sanford Corners Cemetery, following the memorial service.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad or the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Jefferson County.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com