Peter J. Graham

Peter John Graham passed away in the early hours of March 26, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.

Pete was born on August 2, 1938, to Arthur and Barbara (Barss) Graham in Worcester, MA. He graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1956 and joined the U.S Army, serving in Korea, after the Armistice. Soon after his discharge, he married Felecia “Rusty” Leland. They had two sons and remained married 65 years until Pete’s passing.

He was predeceased by his parents and son, Christopher. He is survived by his wife, Rusty; son, Peter (Sherry); brother, Michael; stepsisters, Dale and Dixie; daughter-in-law, Kristi (Dan) Brogan; grandchildren, Connor, Sean, Lily, Gabriel, Samuel, Violet, and Katie, nephew Andrew and grandniece, Olivia.

Pete attended Eastern Michigan University, earning a B.A. in education and Western Michigan University, earning an M.A. He taught History and Economics for 32 years, the last 16 at Kalamazoo Central High School, retiring in 1999.

Throughout his working life and continuing until his passing, he was very active in local community service, elected as a trustee, president, and treasurer, and serving as a board member in the village of Richland. He served on the library board and fundraising committee for the Richland Community Library; and he was a very active member of the Gull Lake Area Rotary Club for many years as a Paul Harris Fellow, continuing until the week he passed.

Pete was very proud of his garden and was well known in the community for his gifts of grape and berry jellies. His other passions included liberal politics, classic cars, U.S. war history, and collecting coins.

A memorial gathering is planned at his residence for early summer, with details to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Richland Community Library or the Rotary Foundation. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.