1928
Donald
2014
Donald Graft
November 28, 1928 — February 26, 2014
Donald D. Graft, 85, a lifelong resident of Scottdale and well-known business man, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 26, 2014 in Excela Westmoreland Hospital.
Mr. Graft was born November 28, 1928 in Scottdale a son of the late James A. "Buzz" Graft and Helen "Peg" Bixler Graft.
Since 1976, Don along with his wife Patricia, owned and operated Graft Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Scottdale, until their son, Douglas entered the business along with them, serving as manager and co-owner. Locally, Don was well respected in the automobile industry and had previously been associated with Overholt Motors, R.W. Beck Motors, Kelly Pontiac, and Martinsek Motor Sales and was a former partner in Hixson-Graft GMC. Early in his career, he had worked for the Johnston Paint Company and Penn Line Service.
He was a life-time and active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Scottdale where he served on the administrative board, as a trustee, a member of the married couples Sunday school class, was a Sunday School teacher, a church food booth volunteer at the Scottdale Fall Festival and the Westmoreland County Fair and was awarded Man of the Year by the United Methodist Men.
Don's volunteer efforts were noted in his community involvement as well having served as a former board member of the Laurel Highlands Regional Family YMCA and a volunteer for the YMCA Celebrity Golf Classic; a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Scottdale; a member of the executive council of the Boy Scouts of America/Fay-West District; member of the Scottdale Community Civic and Industrial Association, Scottdale Library Board, Scottdale Picnic in the Park Committee which awarded him the Hometown Community Spirit Award; and served as a reader for the Night of a Thousand Reading Stars school reading program. He held membership in the Scottdale Elks where he received the Citizen of the Year award, and formerly belonged to the Laurel Swinger's Square Dance organization, and the Scottdale Borough Youth Commission.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Randall R. Graft and a brother, John "Jack" Graft.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia J. (Harding) Graft; his sons, Terence L. Graft of Greensburg; Douglas A. Graft and wife Susan of Scottdale; his daughter, Pamela D. Snyder and husband, Tim of Scottdale; a daughter-in-law, Sherry L. Graft of North Huntingdon; seven grandchildren, Robert Graft; Lisa Upchurch (Todd); April Snyder-Bolden (Gil); Adam Snyder (Emily); Ryan Graft (Jaclyn); Leslie Graft; and Daniel Graft (Julie); nine great-grandchildren, Noah, Reese, Grayden, Alana, Brody, Braylyn, Mia, Avery and Gage and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale on Saturday from 6-8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Additional viewing will take place on Monday from 10 to 11 am in Christ United Methodist Church, 203 Market St, Scottdale, where funeral services will begin at 11 am with his pastor, the Rev. Dennis M. Henley officiating. Interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Scottdale Library 106 Spring St. Scottdale or Christ United Methodist Church 203 Market St. Scottdale, Pa. 15683 in memory of Donald D. Graft.
Saturday 6 - 8 pm
Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Additional visitation at Christ United Methodist Church
Monday 10 am to 11 am
Funeral Service Monday 11 am Christ United Methodist Church
Mr. Graft was born November 28, 1928 in Scottdale a son of the late James A. "Buzz" Graft and Helen "Peg" Bixler Graft.
Since 1976, Don along with his wife Patricia, owned and operated Graft Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Scottdale, until their son, Douglas entered the business along with them, serving as manager and co-owner. Locally, Don was well respected in the automobile industry and had previously been associated with Overholt Motors, R.W. Beck Motors, Kelly Pontiac, and Martinsek Motor Sales and was a former partner in Hixson-Graft GMC. Early in his career, he had worked for the Johnston Paint Company and Penn Line Service.
He was a life-time and active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Scottdale where he served on the administrative board, as a trustee, a member of the married couples Sunday school class, was a Sunday School teacher, a church food booth volunteer at the Scottdale Fall Festival and the Westmoreland County Fair and was awarded Man of the Year by the United Methodist Men.
Don's volunteer efforts were noted in his community involvement as well having served as a former board member of the Laurel Highlands Regional Family YMCA and a volunteer for the YMCA Celebrity Golf Classic; a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Scottdale; a member of the executive council of the Boy Scouts of America/Fay-West District; member of the Scottdale Community Civic and Industrial Association, Scottdale Library Board, Scottdale Picnic in the Park Committee which awarded him the Hometown Community Spirit Award; and served as a reader for the Night of a Thousand Reading Stars school reading program. He held membership in the Scottdale Elks where he received the Citizen of the Year award, and formerly belonged to the Laurel Swinger's Square Dance organization, and the Scottdale Borough Youth Commission.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Randall R. Graft and a brother, John "Jack" Graft.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia J. (Harding) Graft; his sons, Terence L. Graft of Greensburg; Douglas A. Graft and wife Susan of Scottdale; his daughter, Pamela D. Snyder and husband, Tim of Scottdale; a daughter-in-law, Sherry L. Graft of North Huntingdon; seven grandchildren, Robert Graft; Lisa Upchurch (Todd); April Snyder-Bolden (Gil); Adam Snyder (Emily); Ryan Graft (Jaclyn); Leslie Graft; and Daniel Graft (Julie); nine great-grandchildren, Noah, Reese, Grayden, Alana, Brody, Braylyn, Mia, Avery and Gage and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale on Saturday from 6-8 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Additional viewing will take place on Monday from 10 to 11 am in Christ United Methodist Church, 203 Market St, Scottdale, where funeral services will begin at 11 am with his pastor, the Rev. Dennis M. Henley officiating. Interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Scottdale Library 106 Spring St. Scottdale or Christ United Methodist Church 203 Market St. Scottdale, Pa. 15683 in memory of Donald D. Graft.
Saturday 6 - 8 pm
Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Additional visitation at Christ United Methodist Church
Monday 10 am to 11 am
Funeral Service Monday 11 am Christ United Methodist Church
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