John Leroy Graff

Former Riverhead resident John Leroy Graff of Lyons, Ga., died Jan. 3, 2014, at Meadows Regional Medical Center in Vidalia, Ga., after a sudden illness. He was 55. 

Mr. Graff was a 1976 Riverhead High School graduate and attended the BOCES auto body program in his senior year. He worked for Blackman Plumbing in New York and Trane in Georgia. Family members said he enjoyed cooking and having parties for family and friends, and he loved his Labrador, Shelby.

Predeceased by his parents, Leroy and Ellen Graff, Mr. Graff is survived by his fiancée, Cindy Bashlor; a sister, Barbara Wooten of Riverhead; three nieces; and many other family members.

Private services were held in Georgia.

Memorial donations may be made to Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton, NY 11933 or the Animal Protection Society, P.O. Box 210, Vidalia, GA 30475.