Johann Sebastian Graf's Obituary
Graf, Johann "John" S.
Johann "John" S. Graf of Boonton NJ, formerly of Toms River and Paramus, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, April 28, 2017 at the age of 85.
John was born March 9, 1932 in Nürnberg, Germany to Konrad and Maria (Söllner) Graf. As a teenager, he trained as an apprentice woodworker and helped rebuild a cathedral in his war-ravaged native city. In 1952, full of steadfast determination and hope, he left his parents and sister in Germany to start a new life in America.
Shortly after settling in New Jersey, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years during the Korean War. Remarkably, he was assigned to an American army base in Germany, not far from his hometown. John enjoyed reminiscing about the first time he showed up at his family’s door in Nürnberg wearing a U.S. soldier’s uniform.
Upon completing his military service, John returned to America where he met a beautiful girl named Käthe “Kathy” Buck at a German dance hall in New York City. John and Kathy were married on May 4, 1957 at Zion German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brooklyn NY. The couple settled in Paramus NJ to raise their three sons. John was a dedicated father and adoring husband who enjoyed bowling, ballroom dancing and traveling with his wife.
In 1972, John co-founded a successful business, Graf & Lorch Woodworking in Waldwick NJ, specializing in custom dental and medical office cabinetry. A master craftsman with extremely high standards, John built his business reputation on hard work, skill and “old-school” discipline.
John was predeceased by a brother, Karl Heinz and a son, Michael. He is survived by his loving wife, Käthe; two devoted sons, Karl and Richard; a doting daughter-in-law, Jeannine (Carolan) and four cherished grandchildren: Kristen, John, Christine and Richard. He is also survived by a beloved sister, Marga Malterer of Nürnberg; a sister-in-law, Margie Conn; brother-in-law, Heinz Buck and several nieces and nephews,
A memorial service for family and close friends is scheduled for 11am on
Saturday, May 6, 2017 in the Community Room on the 3rd floor of the Victoria Mews Assisted Living Residence, 51 North Main Street, Boonton NJ 07005.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Villa Marie Claire Hospice Residence (www.villamarieclaire.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
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