Rich Graver, 60, of Chester Springs, formerly of Boyertown, husband of Holly (Crable) Graver, passed away Monday September 27, 2021 at the Paoli Hospital.
Born in Pottstown, he was the son of Myrna (Pierson) Taylor and the late John Graver.
Rich was a giver—to his community, The Victory Bank which he co-founded and built from the ground up, his ever-expanding circle of friends and unsparingly to his family and love of his life, his wife Holly.
He poured himself into making his bank a success and donated his time to sustain the Boyertown community he loved. But nothing infringed on his role as husband, friend, parent, uncle and doting grandparent, Pop Pop.
He was always inquiring about the lives and careers of family members, no matter their age or how far down the family tree. “He embraced all us kids like they were his own,” said the daughter of one of Rich’s many friends.
Rich’s family was loosely defined. “If you were Rich’s friend, you were part of his family,” noted a friend.
A willing and attentive listener, he could talk to anyone about their interests and his eyes glistened in a way that made you feel seen and heard.
He was a man with a zest for life and had found the secret of working and playing hard. An instigator of fun and laughter, his smile lit up a room. He was generous with his time and money.
His paradise was the beach home he and Holly shared near Millsboro, Delaware, where they spent most weekends surrounded by revered friends who also happened to be neighbors.
Perhaps nothing better defined a contented man than Rich in his pontoon, cap of the day on his head, a cigar in his mouth, manning the captain’s chair and leading another outing of family or friends on a glorious day on Rehoboth Bay.
A champion relaxer, if he wasn’t on the water and hobnobbing at a neighborhood get-together or crabbing with grandchildren, he could often be found on the couch in the sunroom, either watching a movie for the umpteenth time or reading a James Patterson mystery until nodding off in a contented, snoring sleep heard by all but himself.
Rich was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and the team’s fate on Sundays often set the mood for the beginning of the work week. To the casual observer it was not always apparent that Rich loved his Eagles since much of what he aimed at the TV or inside the stadium was full of invectives if the team did not execute to his expectations.
But like most long-suffering Eagles fans, no amount of losing or frustration deterred his allegiance. He was in attendance at the Eagles’ last two Super Bowls, finally witnessing the pinnacle of his dream in 2018. Rich did not want to go to bed that night.
Golf was another passion. Though he was often hampered by a bad slice, a day on the links was a day well spent.
He loved to travel, whether the history and exquisite food of Italy, the ruggedness of Scotland or imagining himself as one of the “crack crew” on a sailing yacht cruising the British Virgin Islands.
Richie, as he was affectionately known to those closest to him, never missed a vacation with Holly’s family, though he often complained that as an “outlaw” he was only invited so he could drive everyone around.
A natty dresser, Rich loved to dance and most women in attendance got an invitation.
Among the many traits he was known for was an unflinching affinity for hot food. His breakfasts were scorching affairs, and if you entered the kitchen early enough in the morning you would find Rich laboring over a hot smoking skillet, adding stupefying amounts of spices and hot sauces.
He will be missed, so much more than he would ever expect.
Surviving along with his wife and mother are two sons Ryan Graver husband of Erin, and Philip Graver husband of Amber; five grandchildren; and three brothers John Graver husband of Pat, Mike Graver husband of Teri, and Matt Graver.
A memorial service will be held Saturday October 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ltd., 329 N. Lewis Rd., Royersford, PA 19468. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00-11:45 AM at the funeral home. In honor of Rich being an avid Eagles fan, the family encourages everyone to wear green!
In Rich’s memory, please consider donating to the Gift of Life Donor Program. Memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s memory to The American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org