Donald A. Graves, 88

ADAMS, Mass. —  Donald A. Graves, 88, of Adams, passed away on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born in Montague, MA on January 18, 1936. He was the son of the late Albert and Mary (Cuff) Graves. He attended Montague schools, and graduated from Turners Falls High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts.

Don worked as Public Relations Director at Berkshire Gas Co., in Pittsfield for over 20 years before retiring in 1995. Earlier, he worked for the Massachusetts Electric Co. for many years.

He was a communicant of St. John Paul II Parish at Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. He was a longtime member of Rotary International, receiving recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow as well as Volunteer of the Year in 2006. He was active in many community affairs and event committees, as well as the former Adams Chamber of Commerce. Don proudly served as the Parade Director for the North Adams Fall Foliage Parade for several years and was later honored as the Grand Marshall.

Don is survived by his wife Carol (Kozik) of 62 years, whom he married on July 15, 1961. Their union was a source of strength and joy, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Don and Carol were blessed with three beautiful children by which he is also survived - Sue Barrett and her husband, Dave, of Wakefield, RI; Nancy Koczela and her husband Chris, of Bridgewater, MA; and Michael Graves and his fiancée Mary Ellen Daigneault, of Adams; nine grandchildren, including Connor, Jacob, Riley, Patrick, Lauren, Ryan, Mackenzie, Mitchell and Madison; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Graves, and a sister, Rita O’Connor.

Don’s children and grandchildren brought light and laughter into his life, and he treasured each precious moment spent in their company. When they were younger, Don would often delight them with magic tricks, adding an extra touch of wonder and joy to their time together. Don was also instrumental in teaching his grandkids how to water ski, kayak and fish at their camp on Winsor Pond. Time spent at “The Camp” was a highlight of everyone’s summer.

Don's love for music was infectious. Whether he was strumming his guitar, playing the organ at the local church, jamming on the keyboard, or simply enjoying the melody of his favorite songs, his passion for music was immense.

and Carol were best friends. They did everything together and shared many interests. They are both avid UMASS fans and regularly attended basketball and football games over the years. They spent many winters in Fort Meyers, FL, making memories with longtime friends that they met there. Happy hours, singing Karaoke, playing cards, golfing and attending Boston Red Sox pre-season games were always highlights of their annual trip.

Although Donald may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear. His legacy of love, laughter, and music will continue to inspire and uplift us in the days ahead. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 9:00 am at the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Friends of the Adams Council on Aging, 3 Hoosac St. Adams, MA 01220, or The Eagles Band, Inc., P.O. Box 1946, Pittsfield, MA 01202. www.eaglescommunityband.org.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com