George J. Graff

STAUNTON, VA…    George Joseph Graff, of Staunton, VA, died October 12, 2017 at the age of 74 after a hard fought two year battle against cancer. George is survived by his loving wife, Victoria Cash Graff; son David Kanellis of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Kristine and son-in-law Jason Theodoratos, and grandchildren Constantine and Olivia of Northridge, CA; daughter, Ashleigh and son-in-law Billy Burcham, grandchildren Jace and Hannah Martin, of Staunton; Cara Martin and grandson J. Creed Martin, of Staunton; his loving brother Raymond B. Graff of Lansdale, PA. and many special nieces and nephews. George loved nothing better than being a “Pop-Pop” and spending time with his grandchildren.  He loved his family deeply and treasured his moments and memories with each.        George was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA; the son of the late George Joseph and Kathryn Marie Meisle Graff. He attended St. Matthews High School and St. Josephs College, where he excelled in athletics.  George left Philadelphia as a young man to enlist in the United States Army. Following his service to his country, he began a career in insurance that led him to Detroit, MI, Los Angeles, CA, and eventually to Las Vegas, NV, where he met and married the love of his life.  George and his wife moved to Staunton 13 years ago where George retired after over 40 years as an insurance broker and discovered he loved his family and play time even more than his work. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, who enjoyed the outdoors and being on the water. He was a lifelong collector of model trains and enjoyed sharing his love for trains with his grandchildren. George had a quick sense of humor and loved a good story, holding court with family and friends with his tales. He possessed a brilliant mind and until his last breath he was in continuous pursuit and exploration of what the universe had to offer. He enriched the lives of all around him, opening their minds, encouraging and challenging them to reach for the stars.        George’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 20, 2017 at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, VA. Family will receive guests at 2:00 PM and the memorial will begin at 3:00 PM.        In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in George’s memory to Augusta Health Foundation Cancer Center Bridge Fund, PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 or at augustahealth.thankyou4caring.org.