From a vibrant, fun, healthy, young man, John Graves, age 49, fought valiantly for 18 days before succumbing to complications after sudden open heart surgery and 5 ensuing operations. He passed away April 11 with his family by his side.

John graduated high school in Aiken, SC. He enjoyed employment and friends as a Maintenance Mechanic at WNA, Chelmsford, MA. Mr. Graves was born in NJ, spent most of his life in SC as part of a military family, before residing in MA.

John enjoyed cooking, barbeques, friends, family, his work and fun. He leaves behind a daughter, Angela Paradis Smith and her husband Mathew Smith of Claremont, NH, and his mother Ellen Green of Chelmsford, MA. Sisters, Trish Graves Shaw and her husband Woody Shaw, Haverhill, MA., Barbara Yaghigian of Winchedon, MA, brothers Glen Green of Chelmsford, MA and Brian Green and his wife Samantha, of Warwick, RI. He also leaves nieces and nephews, Ashley and Brandon Yaghigian; Steven and William Key; Jennifer, Chris and Kevin Shaw, Logan and Zander Green, and Benjamin Green. He is predeceased by his father, William Newton Graves, step-father, Dewey Green, and sister Pamela Graves Key and her husband Wayne Key.

Private burial services will be held at a later date in his home state of NJ. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial on Saturday, April 30 from 11:00 to 1:00 in Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill. The service will be held at the funeral home, concluding the visitation hours beginning at 12:30 PM. A BBQ Celebration will be held honoring John's life and upcoming 50th birthday following the service from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the home of his sister at 114 Chestnut Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. His favorites will be served including smoked kielbasa. Family and friends invited.