Roger Graham - Obituary

oger Arnold Graham, 87, a 30-year resident of Dunkirk, MD and previously of Silver Spring, MD, died peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2024, at Quiet Manor Assisted Living. Born in Louisville, KY on October 18, 1937 to the late Herbert and Gladys Graham, he was a self-made entrepreneur, specializing as a glass blower and real estate developer. As a glass blower, he was instrumental in making important components for NASA’s space programs. Roger enjoyed fishing, cars and racing, and in his early years he loved singing and dancing with his wife Barbara. In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Graham, and his siblings, David and Rosalyn. He is survived by his children, Jeff Graham of Grasonville, MD, Kelley Helmendach of Charlotte, NC, and Rusty Graham of Stevensville, MD; his grandchildren, Dustin, Steven, Emily, and Morgan Graham, and Heather, Connor, Kyle, and Cameron Helmendach; eight great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Herbert Graham of FL and Janice Hill of Waynesboro, PA. A celebration of Roger's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (via mail: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).