Stephen David Graham (the Mailman), died suddenly of natural causes on Dec. 15, 2011 in Fort Myers, Florida at the age of 62. Mr. Graham, who spent his winters in Florida after surviving cancer and retiring in 2008, was born to Marjorie R. and Henry G. Graham in Brockton, MA on March 16, 1949. He grew up and lived in Middleboro, MA for most of his life, with his most recent residence in Lakeville, MA. He was the loving husband of Cheryl A. Graham (Silvia). The couple was together for 28 years, venturing on their first date on July 9, 1983. He was a father figure to and instrumental in helping to raise Cheryls three children, Jason A. Leonard (wife, Lisa), Andrew D. Leonard, and Jyl E. Piemonte (husband, Tony), and was an adoring, doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Drew W. Leonard, Rylee P. Leonard, and Jon A. Leonard. In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and mother, Mr. Graham leaves three siblings, John G. Graham (wife, Rita), Debra L. Blais, and Shawn H. Graham, all of Middleboro, as well as nieces and nephews, John H. Graham (wife, Cara), Mark O. Blais, Catherine L. Graham, and Jennifer N. Graham. Mr. Graham served in the U.S. Army for two years between 1967 and 1970 after graduating from Middleboro High School and spent over 30 years working for the U.S. Postal Service. He often introduced himself and was known affectionately as the Mailman. He was a long-time member of the Middleboro chapters of the Elks Lodge, Mitchell Club, and American Legion. He was also a member of the Amvets of North Fort Myers, FL. A cancer survivor, Mr. Graham will be remembered fondly for many things, but especially his benign character, his easy humor, his true joy for life, his devotion to family, and his avid love of the water, where he would float peacefully for hours, as content as can be. His family will forever think of the Mailman when it looks out at the ocean. He will be missed by all. Relatives and friends will honor and celebrate Steves life by gathering for visiting hours at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro, MA on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011 from 3 | 7 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 340 Center Street, Middleboro, MA. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Marys Cemetery on Wood Street in Middleboro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steves name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology c/o Dr. J. Paul Marcoux, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.


Published in The Enterprise from December 18 to December 19, 2011