Obituary of Howard "Howie" Graves

South Hadley- Howard "Howie" Gardner Graves, 88, formerly of Templeton, passed away March 16, 2024. He was born on February 19, 1936 in Southbridge, MA to the late John and Ethel (Bliss) Graves. Howard was a graduate of Holden High School. He worked hard as a dairy farmer, owning his farm in Templeton, caring for many cattle, oxen, pigs, chickens and his beloved border collie dogs. He enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and oxen-pulls. Howie loved his family and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. 

Howie leaves his children Christine Franklin of Belchertown, Cathy (Michael) Amidio of Oakham, Michael Franklin of Templeton, John Graves (Candace) of Templeton, Heidi (Arthur) Besse of Templeton and Rebecca (Scott) Grondin of Belchertown. 

He also leaves his grandchildren Ashley Tarr, Tiffany Tarr, Marissa Amidio, Justice Graves, Hunter Graves, Ariel Grondin, and Tyler Grondin. 

Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Howie's memory can be made to Worcester County 4-H, 120 Stafford St. Suite 201 Worcester, MA 01609.