ALBERT GRAF

Oct. 24, 1912 - Jan. 29, 2011
SUPRISE, AZ - Albert "Al" Edward Graf (98) passed away on January 29, 2011, in Surprise, Arizona. Albert was born to Edward and Clara Graf in South Bend, Indiana, on October 24, 1912.

Al grew up in South Bend, graduating from Central High School in 1931.

He was employed by the South Bend Tribune for 14 years.

He married Janet Jackson of South Bend on October 7, 1939.

During World War II Albert worked for the Bendix Corporation in South Bend. In 1947 he opened Graf Hardware Co. in River Park. Albert was active in the Kiwanis Club and the South Bend Knife and Fork Club. He was a member of the Morris Park Country Club. In 1959 he and his family moved to Santa Barbara, CA, where he continued to work in the retail business, managing the Desmond's Apparel store. Albert served as President of the La Cumbre Plaza Association for two years. Albert was an Elder, Deacon and trustee of El Montecito Presbyterian Church, later attending Santa Barbara Presbyterian Church. Albert and his family enjoyed many family car trips.

Al and Janet visited all but two states, traveled in the Orient, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Europe. In retirement, the couple moved to Florida in 1991, then to Arizona in 1993. Their easy, outgoing manner won them friends wherever they went. Their resiliency and deep faith in God sustained them through their life together of nearly 64 years of marriage.

Albert is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Pancharian, and her husband, James of Peachtree City, GA; son, James, and wife, Ruth of Camarillo, CA; son, John, and wife, Carol of Surprise, AZ; and a sister, Mary Ellen Tobey of Denver, CO; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in Santa Barbara, CA.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 6, 2011.

01/22/2023 EJS