Obituary of Richard D. Graham

Richard David Graham Goshen, New York Richard David Graham of Goshen, New York passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011, after battling congestive heart failure for several months. He was 71 years old. The second son of Richard and Margaret (Croft) Graham, Rich was born December 25, 1939 in Upper Darby, PA. He was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University in 1961, earning a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. He married Trudi Pofahl Graham in 1975 and became a resident of Goshen, NY. Rich taught History, Economics, and Government at Pine Bush High School for 39 years. He was a member of the Pine Bush Teacher's Association and Chairman of the Benefits Trust Fund for 21 years. Rich was also a devoted member of the Elks Lodge #1097, in Middletown, NY, serving as the Scholarship Chairman for many years. He was an active tennis player and a longstanding member of the Orange Hollow Racquet Club in Goshen, NY. Rich also volunteered as a timer at Goshen Historic Track. Rich enjoyed traveling and organized several group trips to various international destinations. He was an avid reader, a jazz connoisseur, a musician, and a devoted fan of the New York Rangers Hocky Team. Rich always enjoyed telling jokes and making others laugh. He is survived by his wife, Trudi Graham, at home; his son, Seth Adam Graham of San Diego, CA; his daughter, Britt Andrea Graham, of Irvington, NY; his brother, Edward Graham and wife Nancy Reese Graham of Wallingford, PA; his sister, Marian Graham Gertz and husband Richard Gertz of Broomall, PA; Sister-in-law, Heidi Pofahl White and husband Bernard White of Pine Bush, NY; Sister-in-law, Stephani Pofahl Smith of Metairie, LA; nephew, Ted Graham of Wallingford, PA; nephew Richard Graham and wife Kim Felts Graham of Wallingford, PA; niece, Heather White of New York, NY; niece, Suzanne Graham Paire and husband Paul Paire of Springfield, PA; niece, Holly White of Pine Bush, NY; nephew Richard Gertz of Newtown Square, PA; nephew Elliot Smith of Chicago, IL; niece Carolyn Gertz of Newtown Square, PA; and niece Jessica Smith of Metairie, LA. Visitation will be Sunday, January 9 from 1:00 to 3:30 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY, with a brief Service at 3:30 pm. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, 203 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924.