Robert T. Graeff, 82, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, December 17th from diabetes complications. He struggled for many months to overcome the disease while at Kadima Rehab Center in Lititz, but was sadly unable to recover.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Ann Kunkle Graeff. He resided in Refton, Willow Street and Wrightsville throughout his life.
Robert started a lifetime of hard work, encouraged by his father-in-law, running heavy equipment at age 16. He continued on in the work that he loved for many years, starting out at Snyder and Mylin and then at Andrews Excavating for 38 years. He also was a security guard at Donsco Corp. and Dart Container for a total of 15 years before his retirement.
He enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, and in his earlier years belonged to several hunting camps in Potter County. Friends nicknamed him ‘big game hunter’ and ‘MOOSE,’ though in his final years Robert admitted that his lifelong love for animals had him feeling sad for taking any animal’s life. He adored his fat cat Pumpkin, who will surely be looking for him!
Our family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals involved with taking care of him throughout this time, whose tireless efforts helped him find comfort in his last days.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Miriam A. Graeff of Willow Street,
4 Children: Donald Graeff, husband of Ann Graeff, Lititz, Pa; Deborah Brown, wife of Jeff Brown, Lancaster, Pa; Daryl Graeff, partner of Carol Topowlski, Airville, Pa; Donna Bare, wife of Michael Bare, Conestoga, Pa.
He had 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, with another due in May.
Robert also was survived by his siblings: Lorraine Long, Strasburg, Yvonne Waltz, Lancaster, Janie Gingrich, Hershey and Jerry Graeff, Willow Street.
His good buddy Leroy Stoltfus will surely miss him!
Rest in peace Pappa, you fought hard to stay with us! We’ll catch ya on the flip side!
Due to the current Covid pandemic, the services at this time are private and will be immediate family only. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held post pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Di DeBord
Dear Donna and family,
Mark and I want to express our sincere sorrow for the loss of your dad. I honestly don’t remember ever meeting your father, I am sure he was a very special man. As nice as you are Donna, your dad had to be very very nice. Such a sad time to lose a family member but I’m glad that he is no longer struggling. We wish you our sincerest condolences. Love, Mark and Di
Michael D Bare
Mark and Di,
Thank you for your kind words. I don’t think you ever did meet him.
He was a gentle giant!
Our family will miss him terribly.
He was at peace the last few days surrounded by those he loved!
Thank you again for your sympathy.
Sincerely,
The Graeff family
Kearney And Susie
Dear DONNA and Mike,
Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and your family of the loss of your Dad. We are sure he will be missed by many.
Love,
Kearney and Susie
Donna M. Bare
Dear Kearney and Susie,
Thank you for sending your care and concern to our family.
It means so much at times like this to know others are thinking of
you and your family.
Sincerely,
The Graeff and Bare Families
Cindy Mitchell
So very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories from long ago, and I know he will be missed by you all. My sincere sympathy to your family.
Donna M. Bare
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for reaching out to express such nice sentiments of days gone by.
Our dad throughout his lifetime touched a lot of people. We appreciate your sympathy.
He will definitely be missed.
Sincerely,
The Graeff family
Brian Cisney
Nan, Don, Debbie, Daryl, Donna and the entire Graeff family, Thinking of you during this tough time and know that I’m sorry for your loss. I’m thankful for the small amount of time that I spent with Pap.
Brian
Donna M. Bare
Dear Brian,
Thank you for reaching out to us at this difficult time to let us know that others are
remembering and thinking of us, It has been a few challenging months as we tried
to help him get better but it was not meant to be.
Your expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
The Graeff Family
Rick Schoenberger
I’m so sorry to read of Bob’s death. I was Bob’s supervisor at Dart Container Corporation where Bob was a member of my security team. What a pleasure to get to know Bob during the years we worked together. He always had a cheerful disposition and I knew I could count on Bob to fulfill any duty assigned to him. Over time Bob became a good friend in addition to an employee.
Donna M. Bare
Dear Rick,
Thank you for posting such a complimenting tribute to our loved one. He never shied away from a hard days work. He always took pride in his work and the Dart job was one he struggled to give up. He was loved showing up and checking all the doors and riding the cart around!
It made him important! LOL
We’ll miss him terribly but after watching him struggle the last few months he’s earned a well deserved REST!
Thank you again for being his friend over the years,
The Graeff Family
Dan Shenk
Mim, Don, Debbie, Daryl, Donna, and all your family, I was sorry to hear of Bob’s death so close to Christmas. I am thinking of you as you go through the holiday without him. I don’t think I saw Bob after we moved a way from Refton, but I remember him fondly as a friendly man and a good neighbor.
Wishing you all well,
Dan Shenk
Donna M. Bare
Dear Dan,
Thank you for posting a nice message of sympathy to our Family. Some of our Families
cherished memories were from when we lived in Refton! It was a very nice area to raise
a family. Our dad will be missed by many family, friends and furry critters who all loved him.
Sincerely,
The Graeff Family
Chrissi Fair
Thinking of you!
Love ya s. Steve and Chrissi Fair
Donna M. Bare
Dear Steve and Chrissi,
Thank for you expressions of sympathy at this trying time!
Warmly,
The Graeff Family