John Raymond Graber Sr.

  Jack Graber, 92 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at his home in Newbury Park, California. Born John Raymond Graber on August 25, 1928 to Arthur and Elizabeth Graber. He was the eldest of five children including Arthur, Edward, Patricia and William. He graduated from Canisius College before serving in the army for four years and as a reservist for 10 years.

  After returning from service Jack worked as a bank manager in Buffalo, NY where he met and married Patricia Ann Locking. Many would say that Jack was a quiet man, not because he didn’t have anything to say but because he believed that words matter and when he spoke it was with purpose.

  In fact, everything Jack did, he did with purpose. Whether he was risking his life to save others as a Buffalo City firefighter, driving a school bus, teaching History or English, painting houses, serving as a social worker, being a swim instructor and lifeguard or working on the docks, he did whatever it took to take care of his family because nothing was more important to him.

  In 1982, Jack and Pat moved to Southern California. Jack began a working in the entertainment industry until his retirement from Paramount Pictures in 1993. During his retirement Jack devoted himself to spending time with his grandchildren, studying history, contributing to his church and the Thousand Oaks Community.

  In 2007, the Graber’s moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to be closer to some of their children and enjoy living on the North Lake. In 2016 Jack and Pat returned to Newbury Park, California. Jack was strong, steadfast, faithful and just occasionally truly fierce. He never stopped learning or growing as a person, he lived a truly full life.

  Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years Patricia, their five children & their spouses: Joseph & Margaret LoBello, Richard & Joanne Nelson, John Raymond Graber Jr & Laura Fox, James & Cindy Graber and Joseph Graber & Staci Misura; his brothers Edward and William Graber as well as his nine grandchildren Alyssa, R.J., Jana, Jessica, Christopher, Jamie, Lillie, Dillon and Sarah and his four great grandchildren R.J., Wyatt, Elliott and Isabella.

  Services will be held Monday, March 1st at 11am at Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Burial to follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. All services will be held outdoors with social distanced seating. Masks will be required. Due to limited space if you wish to attend, please RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-raymond-graber-sr-memorial-service-tickets-142142916289