Joseph Basil "Joe" Graves, Jr.

   Joseph Basil “Joe” Graves, Jr., 79, of Hertford, NC, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

   Joe was born and raised in Washington, DC to the late Joseph, Sr. and Wanda (Puljanowski) Graves. His parents allowed him freedom and independence at a very early age. He traveled with friends on the bus throughout the city and enjoyed recreational league sports (fast-pitch baseball and bowling as an adult). Joe always spoke fondly of his wonderful childhood memories and of all the times spent with his many neighborhood and school friends. His brother, Robert “Bobby”, came along five years after Joe. Bobby later married Margaret, and the families spent many holidays together. Upon high school graduation from Archbishop Carroll, Joe enlisted in the Navy and greatly enjoyed his time at sea.

   Joe met Barbara at her cousin’s Christmas party and quickly became a favorite of Barbara’s family, especially Dora and Harry, Barbara’s parents. Harry mentored Joe, teaching him many handy home-improvement skills. Barbara and Joe were married on February 18, 1967 and would have celebrated their 57th anniversary this coming year.

   Joe began his career with C&P Telephone Company in December 1966. He served in many different positions, having received many promotions through the years. His happiest years were when he was manager of the New Services Development Lab where they developed, tested, and were responsible for troubleshooting a multisystem platform. The men in his work lab and Joe had a special friendship and still met together for annual trips to laugh and reminisce about the old days. Joe retired from Verizon (formerly C&P) in May 2001 after 34 ½ years of service.

   Joe and Barbara had two daughters, Sharon and Christine “Chris”, and spent 30 years in Kettering, Maryland. Upon moving to Albemarle Plantation (AP), Joe became very serious about his faith and got great joy from his membership at St. Ann Catholic Church in Edenton. He loved playing golf and the camaraderie of his golf buddies, and had served as president of the AP men’s golf league for two years. Joe was an avid reader and cook, and took on the responsibility of shopping and preparing dinners. He loved cooking for his family when they were in town and trying new recipes. Joe was known for preparing certain culinary dishes at family gatherings and often made specially requested dinners when children and grandchildren visited.

   Joe and Barbara welcomed two sons-in-law to the family: Scott Greenip (Sharon) and Edward “Ed” Kirmse (Chris). Later, they had the joy of six grandchildren: Holly, Meghan, Rachel, and Nathan Greenip, and Elizabeth and Joe (named for him) Kirmse. The families always looked forward to their times when they visited Joe and Barbara at the “resort” (their AP community). The grandchildren loved Joe’s golf cart, and an annual “Golf Cart Picture” became an important part of the visits.

   Joe had a quick wit, was very intelligent, and was a great problem-solver. He was generous and loyal to his family. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren and always got pleasure and amusement, when Barbara, Sharon, and Chris were laughing together. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by many extended family members and friends. It is hard to think of going forward without our Joe—He will be so missed. He is so loved. The family takes comfort in their faith in Jesus Christ, their Savior, and the hope of eternal life.

   A Funeral Mass was held Friday, December 29, at 12:00 p.m. in St. Ann Catholic Church. A burial service will be held at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Maryland on January 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

   The family kindly asks that flowers be omitted, and memorial contributions be made either to St. Ann Catholic Church, 207 N. Broad Street, Edenton, NC 27932 or to Wellspring Life Ministry (pregnancy clinic), online at wellspringlife.org.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.