Gerald Edward Graves, 55, of Waldoboro, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a courageous battle against cancer on Oct. 19.
He is survived by friend and wife of 34 years, Frances Angelopoulos.
He was born Feb. 9, 1955 in Springfield, Mass., the son of the late Edward Graves and Ellen Bean. He was educated in Rockland schools, Class of 1974.
On Jan. 26, 1981 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman. After the service, he was employed by SAD 40 as a custodian.
He was close to his cousin, Walter (John) Hall, who trained him to be a runner. They enjoyed running and swimming together; and they swam the length of Chickawaukie Lake.
His cousin Walter (John) Hall looked at Jerry like a son. Lee Robinson was his best friend from childhood to adulthood and they enjoyed shooting pool together as well as spending time together.
Gerald was an avid runner, running his first marathon in the Pine Tree Marathon in Waterville in 1991 followed by many more 10K races. The year he was diagnosed with colon cancer, he won first place for his age division.
He loved his white kitty, “Missy.”
He enjoyed having his wife read the Bible to him, especially Psalm 91. He attended the International Word of Life Church Fellowship in Waldoboro.
He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Hall Sr.
Survivors include his friend and wife of 34 years, Frances Angelopoulos of Waldoboro; sister, Sally Matthews and husband Robert of Pittston; friend, Lee Robinson of Warren; cousin, Walter (John) Hall of Rockland; nieces, Amy Grierson and husband Dean of Waldoboro, Rose Hall of Belgrade, Sue Luce and husband Jake of Union, and Kendra Vigue of Augusta; nephews, Kenneth Hall Jr. of Houlton and Nick Vigue of Gardiner; Goddaughter, Kendra Swails of Augusta; mother-in-law, Barbara Angelopoulos of Waldoboro; and sister-in-law, Jeannie of Waldoboro.
Graveside service 10 a.m., Mon., Oct. 25 at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery on Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.
At the family’s request, there will be no flowers. Please make memorial donations in Gerald’s name to the Waldoboro Word of Life Church, 41 Old Route 1, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
You are invited to share your condolences with the Graves family by visiting their book of memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
