Ronald A. Graves

Ronald A. Graves, 79, husband of Mary (Fortiere) Graves of Colonial Drive, Ipswich, died on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 in the Beverly Hospital.   

Ron was born in Detroit, MI on January 5, 1943, son of the late Kenneth C. and Beatrice L. (Mushall) Graves. He was raised and educated in Warren, MI, and in 1960 graduated from Fitzgerald High School.

After high school Ron joined the Navy where he served for thirty years. He and his family were very proud of his long and distinguished career in the US Navy, rising to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.  While serving his country he circumnavigated the globe. Wherever he was stationed he quickly immersed himself in the local culture, became part of the community and as always made many friends.

Ron loved to dote on his wife Mary and his grandchildren as well as pursuing his primary hobby of helping others.  He served on the Boards of the Friends of Ipswich Elderly (FOIE) and Senior Care and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. For more than twenty years he was a Constable overseeing the election process in Ipswich.  Ron was also active in the Bayside Village Condo community where he served as President of the Board for many years. Many around Ipswich looked forward to his visits and his quirky sense of humor and everyone appreciated Ron’s generosity and kindness.

 Ron may have traveled the world but in the end, found his home in Ipswich. He said that his thirty-three years living in Ipswich were the happiest of his life.

 In addition to his wife of thirty-four years, Ron is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Chambers of CA and her children, Chase and Joshua, and Theresa Ingram of VA and her children Jenna and Dallas. Ron is also survived by Mary’s son Stephen LaMarche and his wife Amy of Lynnfield, and their children Matthew, Renee and Olivia; a sister, Bea Necker of AZ and a brother, Kenneth Graves of IN.  

A Memorial Service with Naval Honors will be held on Monday February 14, at 11:00 in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. Family and friends that are vaccinated and wearing facial masks will be cordially invited. A Naval Burial at sea will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron’s name may be made to Friends of Ipswich Elderly (FOIE) Pet Fund, PO Box 213, Ipswich, MA 01938.

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