Obituary of Thomas G. Grader

Thomas G. Grader “Lifelong Allegany resident” Olean, NY-- Thomas G. Grader of 3299 W. River Rd., town of Allegany died Saturday (May 20, 2006) in the Olean General Hospital. Born March 15, 1927 in Allegany, NY he was the son of Jacob and Lenora Collins Grader. On September 27, 1952 at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany he married Norma J. Putt who survives. Mr. Grader resided in Allegany all of his life and was a veteran of WWII having served with the US Navy onboard the SS Luzon and in Japan, Panama and the South Pacific, including Hawaii. He was first employed for the Pennsylvania Railroad for six years and then worked for over thirty years for the Cattaraugus County Highway Department prior to his retirement. Mr. Grader was a member of St. Bonaventure Church and was a sixty year member of the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892. He was also a sixty year member of the Allegany Engine Co., having joined in October of 1946. He enjoyed his retirement and was active playing guitar, doing yard work, knife throwing and he especially enjoyed decorating his house for holidays, particularly Christmas. Surviving besides his wife are a son Michael Grader of Allegany; a daughter Kim (Ralph) Anderson of Port Allegany, PA; 6 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 sister Irene Stephan of Rochester, NY and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Monday from 5-8pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (May 23, 2006) at 10:00am in the funeral home. Rev. Gregory Brennan, OFM will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Allegany Engine Co. or to the Allegany American Legion.