Joshua Graham, Sr.

LATHAM - Joshua Graham, Sr., on Friday, February 19, 2016, "The Brightest Star of our Family" departed this earth to enter into God's Heavenly Kingdom, to continue his work there with The Lord.

Joshua "Josh" Graham was born in Van Vleet, Mississippi on October 12, 1927, to his parent's, Annie Mae and Douglas Graham. As a young man, Joshua traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and other cities, before reaching the place he would call home: Albany, New York. Once he arrived in Albany, Josh worked at various jobs until he began working at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp. Joshua found his professional career as a highly qualified Crane Operator. During his tenure, he also held the position of Foreman and Union Representative, assisting his fellow co-workers. Never one content to "sit still for long periods of time," following his move with his family to Latham, New York, Josh joined the Latham Fire Department, and became a volunteer Firefighter, a position which gave him much pride and joy. Josh later rose to the position of First Lt. within the department, and became "Brothers" with his firefighter friends for life. Later, Joshua would return to school, and extended his duties to become a first responder, as an EMS provider for the Latham district. In addition to the above mentioned interests, Josh always sought to "know the Lord." He was a proud member of Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church, under the direction of Pastor Elgin Taylor. During his membership, Joshua taught Sunday School, and served as a Deacon in the church. He was extremely proud of this position, and held this position with honor, while offering spiritual guidance and service to the members of his community. In his spare time, Josh enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and was very fond of all sports, especially Baseball, a sport, in which he played on an Albany Minor League Team. His favorite Baseball Team was "The Yankees."

Joshua is survived by his wife, Ingrid, his children, Josh Jr., Debra, Kenneth, (Vivian) and Michael. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Nicole. Josh was preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. Annie Mae and Mr. Douglas Graham; his sisters, Mrs. Addie B. Graham, (Richland, Michigan), Mrs. Iona Fields, (Albany, New York), Mrs. Erie Grady, (Albany, New York), Mrs. Ada Ford, (St. Louis, Missouri ), and his brother, Mr. MC Graham, (Kalamazoo, Michigan). Joshua is survived by his sisters, Mrs. Teresa Curry, (Portage, Michigan), Mrs. Mattie Clark (St. Louis, Missouri), Mrs. Mary Williams, (Kalamazoo, Michigan), and his brother, Mr. James Graham, (Barbara), of (Chicago, Illinois). Josh is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

A service to celebrate Joshua's life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church, on Ten Broeck Street, Albany, New York. Calling hours will be held from 9:00 to 11:00am. Church services will promptly begin following Calling Hours. Internment will be held following church services at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Colonie, New York.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff members of Wesley Health Care Center, in Saratoga, New York, for providing comfort and support to "our loved one".