Natt "Skip" Bishop Graffum

HOLDEN – Natt “Skip” Bishop Graffum, 86, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Holden Nursing Center where he received exceptional care from a dedicated and supportive staff. Skip endured a long journey with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Newbury, the son of Leroy Bishop and Beatrice F. (Tilton) Graffum. Skip lived his early years in Ipswich and most of his life in Holden.

He leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Edith V. (Hall) Graffum; his daughter, Lisa (Graffum) Ryan and her husband Jamie of Sandwich; son, David Graffum and his wife Maureen of Ludlow; four grandchildren, Lindsey Ryan and her husband Mingkai Lin of Boston, Patrick Ryan and his wife Kate of Framingham, Lucas Graffum of Ludlow and Taylor Graffum of Boxborough; a great-granddaughter, Lily Ella Ryan; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Norman and Robert Graffum; and his sisters, Marilyn Catullo and Doris Gerhold. Skip loved his family. He often shared how family is THE most important element of life.

Skip retired after 40 years with Prudential Insurance Company. He was a devoted and active member of the First Congregational Church of Holden where he was a Deacon and choir member. Church outreach and community service were important to Skip. His high school yearbook thought was ‘Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man’. He was president of the Prudential Retired Employees Association. Singing and music were one of his passions. A proud moment was being tapped into the Boy Scouts’ Order of the Arrow with his son. His hole-in-one golfing with friends was a special joy. Skip and Edith loved to spend the cold weather months in Florida and later on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. They enjoyed traveling to Israel, Hawaii, Germany’s Passion Play and the UK. Skip is remembered for his thirst for life accompanied by a beautiful smile.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, April 2nd at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 1180 Main Street, Holden. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the First Congregational Church of Holden, or Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, 32 Mayo Drive, Holden, MA 01520 Attention: Activities Department. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.