Samuel F. Grafton

Samuel F. "Sam" Grafton, of Mineral Ridge, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Vibra Health Care of Mahoning Valley from complications of congestive heart failure. Sam was 75 years old. Sam was born in Warren on July 5, 1936 to the late Samuel and Alice (Clemson) Grafton. Sam attended Youngstown State University before transferring to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1964 with a degree in mortuary science. After serving a one year apprenticeship, Sam was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Ohio and worked for Lane Funeral Homes in Mineral Ridge and Austintown. Sam also worked for the Lane Ambulance Company for many years and Norwich Pharmaceutical Company for 12 years. Sam retired in 1998 from the Weathersfield Local School District after working for 20 years in the Maintenance Department. Sam was a member of the former Order of Odd Fellows Lodge in Mineral Ridge and had a talent for doing calligraphy. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed working and hanging out at Miller's Garage in Mineral Ridge as a kid and collecting knives. Most of all, Sam's passion was spending time with his grandchildren. Sam was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church of Niles and a veteran of the United States Army. Sam is survived by his wife the former Janet Gosnell, whom he married on August 18, 1962; two sons Todd S. (Jennifer) Grafton of Mineral Ridge and Dr. Brian W. Grafton of Cleveland and his grandchildren Dylan, Devon, Steven, Zachary and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Grafton of Mineral Ridge and an aunt Shirlee (Ralph) Johnson of Niles. Besides his parents, Sam was preceded in death by a sister Judy Rathburn. Family will receive friends on Friday, July 8, 2011 from 5 until 8 pm in the Lane Funeral Home Mineral Ridge Chapel, 1350 Niles Canfield Road, where a funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Irwin presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of donations in Sam's name to either the American Heart Association or a Charity of the Donor's choice.