Dennis G. Graber, 71, of Norwich, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 with his loving family by his side.

Born on June 12, 1947, in Hackensack, NJ, Dennis was the son of Ronald “Ronnie” and Jenny (Lloyd) Graber. He graduated from high school in Lyndhurst, NJ, and soon after, in 1967, was called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict.

In Vietnam, he served on an Army helicopter, was involved in medivac missions, and was a helicopter repairman.

Dennis shared with others that his 21st birthday was spent aboard a helicopter during a military exercise in Vietnam.

After his honorable discharge in 1969, Dennis completed some college courses, and later worked as an HVAC technician for Princeton University in Princeton, NJ.

He worked at Princeton until his retirement. On September 16, 1972, in Lyndhurst, NJ, Dennis married Maria (Romano) Graber.

They were happily married until her death at age 58.

Together they would have and raise two children.

After retiring, and following the death of his wife, Dennis moved to Upstate New York where he built his home on the land he and his wife previously purchased.

Throughout his life, Dennis was a conservationist and an avid hunter and fisherman. He traveled all over the country on hunting and fishing trips, and was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Rifle Association. Most of all, Dennis enjoyed spending time on his 46-acre property.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Kelly Graber and her fiancée, Christopher Johnsrude, of Norwich; his son, Bryan Graber, of Howell, NJ; and his sister, Doreen Durante and her husband, Jeff, of Pleasant Mount, PA. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by siblings Ron, Debbie, and Patty.

A time of remembrance and to share stories about Dennis will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at the Wilson Funeral Home. Military honors to acknowledge Dennis’ service to our country will also be presented.

There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Dennis’ memory may be made to American Legion Post 189, 29 Sheldon St., Norwich, NY 13815, or to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2782, 61-63 N. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.

To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.