Harold Graham

Woodsville, NH - Harold "Jack" John Graham, 95, passed away at his home on Monday, April 15, 2024, with family at his side. He was born in his family home on Savage Hill in Lisbon, NH on November 4, 1928, to Sterling "Sternie" H. Graham and Gladys M. (Greenlay) Graham, who had moved here from Sawyerville Quebec.

Jack graduated from Woodsville High School and went on to attend the University of New Hampshire. He left college to return home to care for his mother, who was dying of cancer. After her passing, he enrolled in the Army, serving from March 14, 1951, to March 15, 1953.

While serving in the Army he was married to Teresa A. (Murphy) Graham on April 19th, 1952, in Teresa's hometown of Washington DC. April 19th, 2024, would mark their 72nd wedding anniversary. Upon his honorable discharge, the couple settled in Woodsville, NH.

He is survived by his wife Teresa of Woodsville, NH, three children Michael J. Graham of Woodsville, NH, Patricia Roberts and her husband Woodbury of Hopkinton, NH, James E. Graham and his wife Lynnette of Woodsville, NH, five grandchildren, Alex Keeler (Bryce), Adam Roberts (Danielle), Anne Roberts, Derek Graham and Dr. James M. Graham, two great-grandsons, Owen and Declan Roberts and two step-grandchildren Hannah and Rory Keeler. He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Nancy and Melba (Dell) Graham.

Jack's business career began working alongside his father in what was known as Peoples Market, through the underpass, in Woodsville. His next business adventure began as a life insurance agent for Prudential Insurance. He worked for nineteen- and one-half years with Prudential and then in 1974 he purchased the F. P. Dearth Insurance Agency, located in the Opera Block in Woodsville, NH, which later became the H.J. Graham Agency. Also in 1974, Jack was invited to join the Board of Directors for the Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank. In 1983 he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. He retired in 1995. Jack continued to serve the Bank as an Honorary Director.

Following Jack's retirement, he and Teresa purchased a home in West Melbourne Florida. They spent many winters enjoying new friends and entertaining visiting family and friends. Those were very happy times for Jack and Teresa.

Jack loved his hometown of Woodsville. Over the years he served in numerous volunteer capacities. He was a 23-year member of the Woodsville Fire Department, served as a Cohase Lions Club member, trustee of the Home for the Aged of Grafton County, a member of the American Legion Ross Wood Post, a trustee for the Woodsville Public Library, school board member, and numerous youth coaching positions. Jack firmly embraced the spirit of giving back to his community, especially to the youth of the area.

Jack balanced his busy work life with many hobbies. He was an avid snowmobiler, fisherman, bowler, reader, and puzzle solver. Not a day went by that Jack didn't complete the Daily Jumble and at least two crossword puzzles in the many newspapers that he read daily. If you knew Jack, you knew that golf was his passion. He studied the game and became an accomplished golfer. Jack is a former champion at The Lisbon Village Country Club. Toward the eighteenth hole of his golfing career a foursome and strong friendship developed between Doctor Jim Barton, Fran Collins, Jack Maloney, and Jack. Jack named the foursome, 'The Numb Nuts'. He treasured the friendship, competition, and common love of the game. Jack was fortunate to get a hole-in-one on September 11, 2001, at the Saint Johnsbury Country Club.

Jack was many things to many people. He was humble, kind, gracious, generous, and a true gentleman. His life's mantra was to look people in the eye when speaking to them, use a firm handshake, and practice respect for all. Jack loved life, his family, and his many colleagues and friends. He will be missed by all.

Services will be on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1 PM at Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville, 1 Birch St. Woodsville, NH. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

To offer the family an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com Ricker Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Woodsville is assisting the family with arrangements.