James E. Graber M.D.

ALBANY- James E. Graber, M.D., 78, passed peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Jim was born on August 20, 1932, son of the late Walter B. and Katherine (Echter) Graber. He grew up in Watervliet, NY and was a graduate of Catholic Central High School. He interrupted his college studies to enlist in the United States Army in 1952 and served in the infantry for three years during the Korean War. He received several commendations including a Purple Heart medal. After completing his military service, he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School. He spent his career as a physician at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany where he cared for his patients with compassion and served as Chief of the Anesthesiology Department for more than twenty-five years. He was a past President of the Anesthesia Group of Albany, the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists and the University Club of Albany. He was a member of Schuyler Meadows Country Club, belonged to the Parish of Mater Christi and volunteered his time coaching baseball at both St. Catherine’s Little League and National Little League. After his retirement in 1993, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf and walking his dog, Riley. He was a lifelong and devoted fan of the New York Yankees. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Joan (Leddy) Graber; six children, Raymond (Mary) Graber, M.D. of Westlake, OH, Kathleen Naughter of Albany, Margaret (Gregory) Loftis of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Timothy (Lois) Graber of Oswego, NY, Michael (Maureen) Graber, M.D. of Syracuse, NY and Kevin (Tina) Graber of Andover, MA; one brother, Charles (Karol) Graber of West Sand Lake, two sisters, Theresa (William) Houlihan of Latham and Sr. Katherine Graber of Albany; 14 grandchildren, Luke, Colin, Aubrie, Thomas, Matthew, Meghan, Katherine, Kyle and Kelly Graber, John, Patrick and James Naughter, Amanda and Nicole Loftis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers and seven sisters, Vincent Graber, Sr. Mary Anita Graber, Sr. Mary Ann Graber, Caroline Wilson, Marie Thomas, Joseph Graber, John Graber, Margaret Treventi, Sr. Mercedes Graber, Frances Barachina, and Thomas Graber. The family would like to thank the kind and generous staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center for the wonderful care given to Jim during the past year. Funeral services Monday, October 11, 2010 at 9:45 am from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to the Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St. Catherine of Siena Church) at 10:30 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday, October 10, 2010 4:00 to 8:00pm in the funeral home. Interment St. Agnes Cemetery Menands. Those wishing to remember Dr. Graber in a special way may send a contribution to Our Lady of Mercy Life Center 2 Mercy Care Lane, Guilderland, NY 12084. To leave the family a special message on their guest book; obtain a prayer card or directions; or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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James E. Graber M.D.

August 20, 1932 - October 7, 2010