Daniel Anton Graf

Daniel Anton Graf, 82, of Newbury, MA, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at his beloved home.

Daniel was born on April 19, 1942, in Newburyport, MA. He attended Newburyport High School until his senior year, after which he continued his education at Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania. Daniel then received a football scholarship to Wake Forest University.

After completing his education, Daniel joined the family trucking business, Graf Brothers, which was established in 1929. He worked alongside his father, Henry, uncles Bill and Frank, brothers Miller and Henry (Ting), and numerous MacBurnie cousins. Until his death, he continued to run the company alongside his daughter Betsy and son-in-law Tom.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Janet E. (Rodigrass) Graf. They were married for 61 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Gretchen E. (Graf) Girard and her husband Thomas D. Girard, and Betsy J. (Graf) Willey and her husband Scott M. Willey. He was a proud grandfather to Lindsey E. Bateman, Lauren J. Bateman and her husband Robert Ward, Thomas G. Girard, Lawrence E. Cuddy III, Daniel G. Cuddy and his wife Nicole (Indingaro) Cuddy, Emily D. Willey, and Cameron T. Willey. Daniel is also survived by his sister, Christine (Graf) MacBurnie; sister-in-law, Nancy (Rodigrass) Burgoyne, and husband Everett Burgoyne; cousins Brenda G. Bartsch, Dr. Frank Graf, Robert MacBurnie, Duncan MacBurnie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The one thing that brought Daniel the most joy was spending as much time with his family as he could. They were everything to him. He was an avid decoy collector and carver, spending all of his free time in his workshop, “The Joppa Senate,” with numerous friends. He enjoyed hunting with his father-in-law and friends, along with his many dogs that he cherished.

Daniel was a Free Mason for over 50 years, a member of St. John’s Lodge in Newburyport, MA, and President of The Salisbury Lions Club. He generously donated to many local community organizations, with St. Jude’s Hospital and Pathways Hospice Healthcare being causes closest to his heart.

At Dan’s request, there will be no formal services. A celebration of his life will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, Pathways Hospice Healthcare, or the charity of one’s choice in Daniel’s memory. Arrangements were made by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.