MARS HILL – Philip J. Graves, 84, passed away peacefully May 13, 2004, at a Mars Hill healthcare facility. He was born March 14, 1920, in Mars Hill, the son of William and Harriet (Vincent) Graves. He attended high school at Aroostook Central Institute. Phil moved to Connecticut in 1942 where he worked for Pratt & Whiney building airplane engines for two years, then he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After being discharged he returned to Mars Hill where he owned and operated a meat market in Bridgewater and opened a large butcher shop and grocery store in Easton. In conjunction with his father and three brothers he established the Graves Red & White grocery store chain which grew and prospered throughout Aroostook County. The chain of family stores has grown and spread throughout the state and are all currently run by his nephews. In addition to running his businesses he served as president of the Mars Hill Junior Chamber of Commerce. He, his brother, Bob, and several friends formed a bowling team the media nicknamed the “Hilltoppers.” During the early 50s the team traveled throughout the state competing in many matches and compiling a string of championships, their skill finally culminated in a trip to Boston to compete in a televised regional championship. He continued bowling locally well into his 70’s maintaining over 100 average and still winning trophies. An avid outdoorsman since his late teens, he spent many enjoyable hours hunting and fishing locally. In his retirement he broadened his experiences with his son at his side hunting geese and fishing tarpon in several states. His favorite outdoor sport was fishing for Atlantic Salmon throughout Maine and Canada which he enjoyed up to his 80th birthday. He and longtime fishing companion, Gerald Jones, owned camps on the Matapedia and Miramichi Rivers, which they visited each week of the season. After retirement he and his wife discovered the warm climate and casino entertainment of Las Vegas to be a great way to break up the winters with brothers and sister-in-law they made a couple of trips each year. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William K. and Linda Graves of Presque Isle; two brothers, Vincent Graves of Mars Hill and Robert Graves of Presque Isle; and a sister, Alice Hitchcock of Mars Hill; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Dawn (Rideout) Graves; a sister, Marjorie Gray; and a brother, Donald “Lefty” Graves. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, May 17, at the Mars Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bethann Black and Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. Calling hours for family will be 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and friends may call from 12 p.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Kings Grove Cemetery, Mars Hill. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330.
PHILIP J. GRAVES
