Michael Paul Graves

Michael Paul Graves, “Mike/Dad/Pop”, age 72, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Ocean City, New Jersey, passed away on May 19, 2025, at his home in Kennett Square surrounded by his family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Mike was the devoted husband of Nancy (Singley) Graves, with whom he shared 50 years of loving marriage. Born in Springfield, OH, Mike was the son of the late William Paul Graves and the late Emma Katherine (DeMaster) Graves.

Mike discovered his passion for serving others as a member of the Leaders Club at the Springfield YMCA in Ohio — an experience that inspired him to pursue a BS in Physical Education in Schools and Community at Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he was also a proud member of the swim team. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married on a snowy day on April 19, 1975, in Ithaca, New York. They joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children and six grandchildren. Mike later went on to earn his MBA from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Following the launch of his YMCA career in the Leaders Club, Mike continued serving at the Springfield Y through high school and college, followed by serving at YMCAs in Norwalk, Greenwich and New Canaan, Connecticut. In 1987 Mike’s career brought him to the YMCA of Delaware where he served as the President and CEO for 26 years. In retirement, Mike closed out his career as a security guard at Longwood Gardens.

Mike has created an incredible legacy where he will be remembered for his unwavering faith, principled character, and tireless service and advocacy. A lifelong champion of aquatic safety, child sexual abuse prevention through the Redwoods Foundation, and substance abuse recovery, Mike dedicated himself to improving the lives of underserved communities and promoting wellness for all — in spirit, mind, and body.

Mike fostered and developed a multitude of communities, through service on numerous local and national boards and committees, including the Association of Professional YMCA Directors, YMCA-USA Swimming and Diving, Springfield College, Wilmington Rotary, North American Urban Group, Y Metro 30, Y-USA, his church, and the Kennett Consolidated School District as a dedicated school board president. He was a thoughtful voice in his profession, writing and teaching extensively on the YMCA’s most pressing ethical challenges. Mike’s leadership extended internationally through YMCA statesmanship and diplomacy, including representing the United States Olympic Committee, presenting on ethics at the International Olympic Academy.

Mike will be deeply missed for his boundless kindness and humor, his joyful music as an enthusiastic banjo player, his handmade gifts as a skilled woodworker, his delicious Karevei and sourdough bread and pretzel bites as a baker, and his love of sailing at Camp Tockwogh. Most of all, he will be missed as a steady, loving presence in the lives of all who knew him. Mike lived a life rooted in service — always making sure those around him felt cared for, supported, and deeply loved. On any given weekend, you might find him pulling the “grands” around the yard on his lawn tractor, riding bikes with family along the Ocean City boardwalk, crafting something special in his woodshop, or picking a banjo tune that made everyone want to get up and dance.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by his children Kristian Michael Graves (Neilly), Meghan Sullivan, and Caitlin Hendelman; his grandchildren, Luke, Theo, Charlie, Paul, Hannah, and Huck; his sisters, Patty Shaver and Paula DeCarlo; and numerous nieces and nephews and other dear family members.

You are invited to visit with Michael’s family and friends from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM on June 1, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. His memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to:

 YMCA Camp Tockwogh donate.ymcade.org/donation/ or YMCA Camp Toghwogh, 24370 Still Pond Neck Road, Worton, MD 21678 (Note: In memory of Michael Graves when giving.) 

Or Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382. (Please note “In memory of Michael Graves” when giving.)

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square. (484-734-8100) To view Michael’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com