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Richard “Rick” Graf, Jr.
The unexpected passing of Richard “Rick” Graf, Jr. Monday February 6, 2023 at the Colington home has been announced by Rick’s wife, Karen Graf. Rick as he was best known, was 71 and born in Long Island, New York. He was the son of Richard Graf and Eleanor Meyer Graf who preceded him in death several years ago.
Studious and focused, Rick completed high school and earned his bachelor’s degree. Eventually, Rick used his education and people skills to work successfully in management positions at various companies in several states including New Hampshire, Colorado, and Florida.
Most recently, Rick was employed with the Dare County Water Department as a trained water plant supervisor. Besides his work, Rick was had many interests and special passions. He was proud of his 20 years of sobriety and devoted many hours working with the local AA to promote sober living. Rick also served the community he loved as a volunteer firefighter with the Colington Fire Department for over 20 years. For fun Rick loved surf fishing, sailing, and riding his motorcycle.
In addition to his long-time companion and wife of 22 years, Karen- Rick is survived by his three children; Missy (husband Travis), Shannon (husband Haadi), and Ramsey; and his three step-children Jana (husband Jim), Ashley (Husband Karl) and A.J. Rick is also survived by 12 grandchildren, many other relatives, extended family members, and countless friends as well as his AA family.
The family is honoring Rick’s preference for cremation. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at the Colington Club House Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 10 am. Please share condolences with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop funeral Services, Inc. is entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Rick’s family and friends. His steady and gentle presence and message helped me and so many others more than he could know. He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him.
We love y'all we are so sorry .Rick was an awesome person.He was one of Billy friend he ever had .We are so heartbroken.
Dearest Karen and family, So, so sorry to hear of Rick's passing...we have many, many happy memories of times shared with Rick and your family! You all are in our thoughts and prayers...
OH WOW !! What a shock when I saw this !! My heart goes out to his family ~ Thoughts and prayers for you. What fun we all had !! He will be missed by all
My heart breaks for the sudden passing of such a good man . His sincerity in caring for others was exemplified in his actions . My prayers for all the family in this time of loss .
So sorry for your loss I will miss Rick at the pool
Rick, you were a good man and are missed. Sending your family blessings of love, peace and healing.
Uncle Rick, You will be truely missed! All the great memories we shared and the stern helpful caring advise you gave. Wish you were still here but God had other plans. You will be all of our guardian angels and will be watching down on all of us. Love you rest in peace Uncle Rick....
My deepest sympathies to you Karen, and your family.
Rick was one of the good ones and will be missed by many. He befriended me when I arrived at Northport HS . He always had a positive demeanor and a great laugh. See you on the other side old friend👍
It is with great sadness to of hear of Rick leaving us all . He was such a great picture of hope to so many . His presence at the AA for so many years and all those he helped speaks volumes of some of his heart . There is no words to describe him when he was on his Motorcycle , the smile he had , breath taking . Thanks for the years . We love you all and do not hesitate to reach out to us for anything. Love Wayne and Kerstin and family
I have nothing but great memories of Rick as he watched us grow from little kids/toddlers to the adults we are now. My heart hurts for this loss. Sending so much love to the entire family. I hope that you can find peace and comfort in the great memories you carry of him in your hearts.
Dear family… Please know that you all are in our prayers… and with much love…. We loved Rick & will always keep him in our hearts… much love to Shannon & Ramsey! Our deepest Condolences.
Dear family… Our hearts are heavy… Please know that each of you are in our prayers… and with much love…. We loved Rick & the kids (still do)…as they all grew up together…he will be missed by so many & we will always keep him in our hearts. Our deepest condolences!
Karen I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Deepest sympathy to Rick's family. He was a good man and helped many. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rick was the most welcoming, friendly, and kind man from the first time I met him. He was funny too. You could always count on Rick to give you a hug or a smile, and he shared great wisdom on how to live a happy, contented, sober life. He was loved by many who were blessed to be his friends.
ugh. my heart sank this morning when I read the news.Rick was my first best friend one of my last links to Npt and my early childhood. Many adventures as kids on the water and land. Miss him.
We shared many a homeroom together all through Junior High and High School because of our names. I remember his smile and pleasant manor. I considered him a friend and am sad at his passing. My condolences to his family and people he loved.
Karen and family, our hearts are so heavy in hearing of Rick’s passing. Never have I had a better neighbor than Rick. From the first day we met we knew he was a gem. He always had the best stories of the neighborhood, riding motorcycles, and great music events! He will be incredibly missed by so many. I’m sure he is riding that Stairway to Heaven!
Rick never judged; he loved us all. He never took; he gave to everyone. Rick knew the meaning and importance of unconditional love. For this, he is a role model and life-long inspiration.
My condolences to the entire family. Rick was a great guy and loyal friend. If memory serves me correctly, he made a plunge into Northport Harbor every April, as we looked on in awe. Rest in peace, buddy.
Many many hugs to you all. There’s little to say that truly brings comfort in these times. Just know that you are loved as was Rick. So sorry for your loss
I used to run into Rick at charity events on the Island while riding our bikes. Rick was a very special person who was easy to get to know and a pleasure to be around. He was just a happy guy who loved life and someone who never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed. We all stand diminished by his passing. May he Rest in Peace.
I am so very, very sorry about Rick's passing. Karen and family, you are all in my prayers. Rick was one of the finest people I have ever known. His thoughtfulness and caring helped more people than he probably knew. He was one of the bright spots in my days whenever I had the opportunity to talk with him. I am thankful to have had him as my friend.
Karen, I am deeply saddened by the news of Rick’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
So saddened to get the news of Rick’s passing. Prayers of comfort and peace for his family and loved ones. Know that he is in paradise with angels.
Rest in PeacebRick and our condolences Karen
Dear Karen and family, I am SO sorry to hear of Rick's passing; sorry and shocked. I pray you have comforting people and peaceful moments during this time of terrible loss.
Karen sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult. Prayers to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to Karen and the family. I worked with Rick for many a year at the Dare County Water Department. He was a very kind, gentle and knowledgeable soul. May he rest in eternal peace. Coquetta Brooks
Our condolence to Karen and family. Rick was a long time friend and will be missed, Rest In Peace buddy.
My deepest sympathies to Rick's family.
Rick was a old friend of mine and my husband’s. He was a wonderful person always extending a helping hand. He will be missed. I have several memories of him and I will keep them alive in my heart ♥️. Rick you will be missed please RIP my friend 🙏🏻. Reaching out to his family, sending our condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻 Gail and Dennis Beltowski 😌
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.A good friend since our boatyard days .Thank You, Jim and Cindy Davis -Wanchese
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to Karen and family. Love & prayers at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Oh Karen we are so sorry for your loss. We loved Rick he was such a great guy he helped so many people. Sail away Rick❤
I knew Rick for many years…all the way back to the great Cactus Chew in Colorado . He was a good friend and a great listener. Rest In Peace, Buddy. We will meet again 😊
Karen, I’m so sorry to hear about Rick. What a Great man he was with the biggest heart any man could have. Life is not fair and way to short sometimes, something we will never understand. Take care of yourself, Joanne
Rick was always such a joy to be around, he will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. Our deepest sympathy and love go out to your family.
Karen and Family, was so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a wonderful guy, full of knowledge and such a giving person. He will be missed by many. Prayers are sent your way. Anna
I did not know Rick, but know his family and many friends will miss him.
Rick was a lovely and loving man who contributed so much to our community. He enriched the lives of all he met and his passing will be deeply felt.
My sincere condolences to Karen and the entire Graf family. As an annual visitor to OBX for at least the past 25 years, I enjoyed many breakfasts and laughs with Rick after our early morning meetings. Rick always made me feel welcome at OBX and always had great insights about places to eat and things to see and do. He was an interesting man with a world of experience and always willing to help anyone in need. His warmth, his great stories and his incredible sense of humor will be sorely missed.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to Karen and all of Ricks familes. Our hearts break for All of you. We hope your memories fill your hearts with his love and laughter. Unfortunatley we were out of town and unable to attend Ricks service. We were introduced to Rick and Karen by the Hildebrants, long time friends of theirs, all the way back to highschool. My fondest memories are of sail boat rides, the telling of jokes and lots of laughter. His presence always left me feeling calm as he accepted people for who they are, not what others thought they should be. Rick made a fabulous guacamole too! Bobby's memories are of riding shotgun with Rick during the Nags Head Surf Fishing Tournament, learning the ropes. He loves talking of the fun times those were for him to anyone who listens. Our hearts go out to you all. If there is anything we can do, please let us know! Love, Shannon & Bobby Bartlett
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Rick’s family and friends. His steady and gentle presence and message helped me and so many others more than he could know. He will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him.
We love y’all we are so sorry .Rick was an awesome person.He was one of Billy friend he ever had .We are so heartbroken.
Dearest Karen and family,
So, so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing…we have many, many happy memories of times shared with Rick and your family! You all are in our thoughts and prayers…
OH WOW !! What a shock when I saw this !! My heart goes out to his family ~ Thoughts and prayers for you. What fun we all had !! He will be missed by all
My heart breaks for the sudden passing of such a good man . His sincerity in caring for others was exemplified in his actions . My prayers for all the family in this time of loss .
So sorry for your loss I will miss Rick at the pool
Rick, you were a good man and are missed. Sending your family blessings of love, peace and healing.
Uncle Rick,
You will be truely missed! All the great memories we shared and the stern helpful caring advise you gave. Wish you were still here but God had other plans. You will be all of our guardian angels and will be watching down on all of us. Love you rest in peace Uncle Rick….
My deepest sympathies to you Karen, and your family.
Rick was one of the good ones and will be missed by many. He befriended me when I arrived at Northport HS . He always had a positive demeanor and a great laugh. See you on the other side old friend👍
It is with great sadness to of hear of Rick leaving us all . He was such a great picture of hope to so many . His presence at the AA for so many years and all those he helped speaks volumes of some of his heart . There is no words to describe him when he was on his Motorcycle , the smile he had , breath taking . Thanks for the years . We love you all and do not hesitate to reach out to us for anything. Love Wayne and Kerstin and family
I have nothing but great memories of Rick as he watched us grow from little kids/toddlers to the adults we are now. My heart hurts for this loss. Sending so much love to the entire family. I hope that you can find peace and comfort in the great memories you carry of him in your hearts.
Dear family…
Please know that you all are in our prayers… and with much love….
We loved Rick & will always keep him in our hearts… much love to Shannon & Ramsey! Our deepest Condolences.
Dear family…
Our hearts are heavy…
Please know that each of you are in our prayers… and with much love….
We loved Rick & the kids (still do)…as they all grew up together…he will be missed by so many & we will always keep him in our hearts.
Our deepest condolences!
Karen I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Deepest sympathy to Rick’s family. He was a good man and helped many. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rick was the most welcoming, friendly, and kind man from the first time I met him. He was funny too. You could always count on Rick to give you a hug or a smile, and he shared great wisdom on how to live a happy, contented, sober life. He was loved by many who were blessed to be his friends.
ugh. my heart sank this morning when I read the news.Rick was my first best friend one of my last links to Npt and my early childhood. Many adventures as kids on the water and land. Miss him.
We shared many a homeroom together all through Junior High and High School because of our names. I remember his smile and pleasant manor. I considered him a friend and am sad at his passing. My condolences to his family and people he loved.
Karen and family, our hearts are so heavy in hearing of Rick’s passing. Never have I had a better neighbor than Rick. From the first day we met we knew he was a gem. He always had the best stories of the neighborhood, riding motorcycles, and great music events! He will be incredibly missed by so many. I’m sure he is riding that Stairway to Heaven!
Rick never judged; he loved us all.
He never took; he gave to everyone.
Rick knew the meaning and importance of unconditional love. For this, he is a role model and life-long inspiration.
My condolences to the entire family. Rick was a great guy and loyal friend. If memory serves me correctly, he made a plunge into Northport Harbor every April, as we looked on in awe. Rest in peace, buddy.
Many many hugs to you all. There’s little to say that truly brings comfort in these times. Just know that you are loved as was Rick. So sorry for your loss
I used to run into Rick at charity events on the Island while riding our bikes. Rick was a very special person who was easy to get to know and a pleasure to be around. He was just a happy guy who loved life and someone who never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed. We all stand diminished by his passing. May he Rest in Peace.
I am so very, very sorry about Rick’s passing. Karen and family, you are all in my prayers. Rick was one of the finest people I have ever known. His thoughtfulness and caring helped more people than he probably knew. He was one of the bright spots in my days whenever I had the opportunity to talk with him. I am thankful to have had him as my friend.
Karen, I am deeply saddened by the news of Rick’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
So saddened to get the news of Rick’s passing. Prayers of comfort and peace for his family and loved ones. Know that he is in paradise with angels.
Rest in PeacebRick and our condolences Karen
Dear Karen and family,
I am SO sorry to hear of Rick’s passing; sorry and shocked. I pray you have comforting people and peaceful moments during this time of terrible loss.
Karen sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult. Prayers to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to Karen and the family. I worked with Rick for many a year at the Dare County Water Department. He was a very kind, gentle and knowledgeable soul. May he rest in eternal peace.
Coquetta Brooks
Our condolence to Karen and family. Rick was a long time friend and will be missed, Rest In Peace buddy.
My deepest sympathies to Rick’s family.
Rick was a old friend of mine and my husband’s. He was a wonderful person always extending a helping hand. He will be missed. I have several memories of him and I will keep them alive in my heart ♥️. Rick you will be missed please RIP my friend 🙏🏻.
Reaching out to his family, sending our condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻 Gail and Dennis Beltowski 😌
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.A good friend since our boatyard days .Thank You, Jim and Cindy Davis -Wanchese
We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to Karen and family. Love & prayers at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Oh Karen we are so sorry for your loss. We loved Rick he was such a great guy he helped so many people. Sail away Rick❤
I knew Rick for many years…all the way back to the great Cactus Chew in Colorado . He was a good friend and a great listener. Rest In Peace, Buddy. We will meet again 😊
Karen, I’m so sorry to hear about Rick. What a Great man he was with the biggest heart any man could have. Life is not fair and way to short sometimes, something we will never understand. Take care of yourself, Joanne
Rick was always such a joy to be around, he will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. Our deepest sympathy and love go out to your family.
Karen and Family, was so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a wonderful guy, full of knowledge and such a giving person. He will be missed by many. Prayers are sent your way. Anna
I did not know Rick, but know his family and many friends will miss him.
Rick was a lovely and loving man who contributed so much to our community.
He enriched the lives of all he met and his passing will be deeply felt.
My sincere condolences to Karen and the entire Graf family. As an annual visitor to OBX for at least the past 25 years, I enjoyed many breakfasts and laughs with Rick after our early morning meetings. Rick always made me feel welcome at OBX and always had great insights about places to eat and things to see and do. He was an interesting man with a world of experience and always willing to help anyone in need. His warmth, his great stories and his incredible sense of humor will be sorely missed.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to Karen and all of Ricks familes. Our hearts break for All of you. We hope your memories fill your hearts with his love and laughter.
Unfortunatley we were out of town and unable to attend Ricks service.
We were introduced to Rick and Karen by the Hildebrants, long time friends of theirs, all the way back to highschool. My fondest memories are of sail boat rides, the telling of jokes and lots of laughter. His presence always left me feeling calm as he accepted people for who they are, not what others thought they should be.
Rick made a fabulous guacamole too!
Bobby’s memories are of riding shotgun with Rick during the Nags Head Surf Fishing Tournament, learning the ropes. He loves talking of the fun times those were for him to anyone who listens.
Our hearts go out to you all. If there is anything we can do, please let us know!
Love, Shannon & Bobby Bartlett