Graef, Donald A., 1964, CDR USNR (ret)

Donald Arthur Graef , 1964

May 26, 1942  -  November 12, 2010

Donald Arthur Graef, age 68, of Elverson, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Life Care Hospital of Chester County, PA, West Chester, PA, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Kathleen (Jensen) Graef, with whom he shared 42 amazing years of marriage.

Born in New Jersey, he was a son of the late Frank Arthur Graef and Helen Ruth (Novotny) Graef.  Don was a 1964 graduate of Penn State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He participated in the Naval R.O.T.C. program during college. In 1964 he entered the U.S. Navy and proudly served in the Vietnam War until 1966. He remained active in the Naval reserves and was honorably discharged as Commander in 1991.  

He worked as a Logistics Manager for Unisys Corporation & Logistics, Blue Bell, PA for over 35 years, retiring in 2001. Don was a very active member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. He served the church in many capacities, including Consistory, youth ministry, homeless ministry and marriage encounter. Don was a passionate member of the Praise Team at St. Paul's U.C.C. he played the keyboard and guitar. He enjoyed spending time at his vacation home in Long Neck, DE with his family and friends, fishing, clamming and crabbing. He was also an avid golfer and well known at the local fitness center. Living in the Summerfield Community of Elverson, PA, he spent time with the S.O.B.S. (Summerfield Old Bikers Society) and the Men's Bible study.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: Two Sons - Donald Scott Graef and his significant other, Konnie Elaine Coller of Reading, PA, and Jeffrey Paul Graef and his wife Tammy of Pottstown, PA.One Daughter - Stacy Kathleen Graef of Sea Bright, NJ.  

One Sister - Janice Knies, widow of Robert of Honey Brook, PA. Two Grandchildren - Jarrett Stoudt and Ethan Robert Graef.  

A memorial service will be held 12 noon on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at St. Paul's U.C.C., 927 North Franklin Street Pottstown, PA 19464, Pottstown, PA. The Rev. Rebecca Brenner will officiate. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call from 10:30-12 noon on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the church with services being held at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation on line at www.ChristopherReeve.org or by phone 1-800-225-0292 and via mail: 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078, and/or to the St. Pauls U.C.C. Arrangements are being handled by the Houck & Gofus Funeral Home, Inc. of Pottstown, PA.