Donald Graffam

Donald James Graffam, Sr., 70, of Shapleigh, passed away suddenly at home on May 26, 2021. "Butch", as he was known to friends and family, was born in Waterboro on September 11, 1950. He was the fifth of eighteen children born to Lewis and Elsie Libby Graffam. Being a member of such a large family taught him at an early age to cherish those he loved. Anyone who knew him, knew that he loved his family passionately. At the age of eighteen, Butch married the love of his life, Betty Kiley Graffam, with his sister, Vera, and his best friend, Kenny, by their side. The newlyweds' honeymoon took place 40 years later in Maui. The two shared a loving marriage for over 51 years. Together they raised four children. Butch was "Papa" to 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his most cherished treasures. He was employed by Cyro Industries for more than 20 years before his retirement in 2010.In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball with his brothers, cousins, friends and son, bowling, and playing cards. Since his retirement, Butch enjoyed camping with friends and family, playing cards, and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known by all who loved him as a master teaser, but he would give the shirt off his back and go out of his way to help anyone.Butch was an avid WWE, Red Sox, and Patriots fan and took home the family's coveted fantasy football league trophy twice. He leaves a great legacy of love and will be dearly missed by all.Butch was predeceased by his parents; his grandson, Michael Joseph; his brothers, Lewis, Anthony, Russell, and Brian; and sisters, Tracy, and Lisa.He is survived by his loving wife; his beloved children, Kimberly Brooks and her husband Melvin of Alton, NH, Kelly Newman and her husband Terry of Shapleigh, April Bunker and her husband Steven of Franklin, NH, and Donald, Jr. (Jamie) and his wife Tracy also of Shapleigh; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Alexandra, Nicholas, James, Alyssa, Hannah, Breanna, Keeghan, Jenna, Mary Grace, Kolbe, Sarah, and Kilee; his adored great-grandchildren, Jesslynn, Levi, Isaac, and Natalie; sisters, Vera, Christine, Dorothy, Brenda, Donita, Beverly and Donna; and brothers, David, Richard, Rodney, and Kevin; and many sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.Visiting hours will be held at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A graveside service will follow on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Hollis, Maine. Weather-permitting, a celebration of life will follow at Butch and Betty's home in Shapleigh.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Butch's memory to The American SIDS Institute at https://www.sids.org/ways-to-help/donate/