Obituary of Hugh H Graham II

Hugh H Graham II "Gray" of Old Saybrook died peacefully in his home early in the morning of September 28th after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He leaves his life-long best friend and bride, Sallie (Sara Mathes Graham) and their three daughters and their families: MaryKate and Chip Mundell of East Lyme, CT and grandsons Graham and Rowan; Diane and Marc Kearney of Westerly, RI and grandchildren Sara and Dillon; and Tara Graham and Frank Rosamilia of Burlington, VT and grandson Hugh H Graham III, as well as Frank's children Rhiannon, Traven and Kaden. In addition, he leaves his beloved canine companions, Carmelita and Oscar. He was the first-born child to the late Hugh and Mildred Grahamn on 6-29-1938 in Cleveland, Ohio. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his brother, Jeff and wife Paula Graham of Florida and his sister Lela and her husband Hod Moses of New Hampshire. He also leaves extended family and friends beyond measure. Upon graduating from Salisbury Prep School, he joined the US Air Force. His career included many years in the car business. His biggest accomplishment was establishing and running for over twenty years a successful local car business, Saybrook Auto Auction. Gray's many interests included: entertaining friends with Sallie, 4th of July celebrations, golfing, traveling, playing bridge, collecting shark's teeth on the Floridas' Gulf Coast, boating, dancing (any chance he got), relaxing on the beach in Maui where he spent many winters with Sallie and friends/family, and spending fun times with his children and grandchildren. Those who came to know him as "friend," will forever hold his twinkling brown eyes, gentle smile, easy laugh and unwavering optimism in their hearts. Sallie and her daughters wish to thank Dr. David Kvam, Dr. Alexandra Flowers and compassionate staff at the Harry Gray Cancer center of Hartford Hospital for their steadfast care over the past two years and more recently, the Middlesex Hospital Homecare Hospice and Palliative Care team for their assistance with Gray's end of life, in-home care. A special note of heartfelt gratitude is extended to Dr. James Yu and his incredible team at L& M hospital for their care, support and endless surplus of hope during this journey. They came to know Gray as the "Champ" that he has always been. And finally, Sallie and her daughters remain deeply grateful and humbled by the generosity and kindness of the community of neighbors at North Cove Landing, countless friends and family members who have offered camaraderie, compassion and love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 3rd at 11 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Prospect St in Essex with military honors to follow. To honor his love of the ocean and his return to the earth, burial arrangements will be at sea.