G ranville, NY – Oscar Edward McGraw, age 74, passed away on October 18, 2010 at the Rutland Regional Medical Center with his loving wife and children Bob and Wilma by his side.
Oscar was born on March 19, 1936 in West Pawlet, VT the son of William J. and Gertrude V. (Dennison) McGraw.
Oscar became a radar technician with the Marines in 1957. After seven years he switched to the Army. During the time of the fall of the Berlin wall, Oscar was serving in Germany. The US Dept of Defense was, at the time, the operator of the world’s largest bowling center. This activity was paramount to the staple and stable influence of the morale, welfare and recreation effort. And Oscar was the Chief of Bowling Operation for the Army in Europe. These facilities provided a place for the military personnel to relax, exercise and socialize, along with other military and their families.
In addition to this military job, Oscar was given the important honor of serving on the advisory team to the General for a number of years.
Oscar was passionate about his job and the value it brought, not only to others but to his family as well. While serving in the military he and his wife Karin (whom he met in the military) raised five children. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather who raised his children with a sense of family values and worth.
After 40 years of military service, he and Karin spent his retirement years in Puerto Rico.
Oscar was predeceased by his parents, five brothers: Kenneth, John, William, Donald and Raymond (Smokey). Survivors are his wife Karin, his children: Michael and Wilma Jean both of Germany, William John of Granville and Steven Edward and Robert Andrew also both of Germany. He was blessed with twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Oscar was also survived by his sisters Jennie Hudy, Marion Redmond and Maxine Dickinson and her husband Mike all of Granville and Alice Stannard of Rutland.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions may be made in Oscar’s memory to the Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave., Burlington, Vermont 05404.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville.
