Obituary of Matthew W. Graves

Matthew Graves passed away on September 8, 2018. Matt was born on December 24, 1967 in Wellsville, NY. He was the son of Mark Graves of Inverness, FL. and Mary (Peter) Harer of Lewisburg, PA; the father of Ashley Graves of Womelsdorf, PA, and grandfather of Zoey Bush of Womelsdorf, PA. the oldest brother of Michelle Hubler of Norfolk, VA, Melanie Graves of Waynesboro, PA, Scott Graves of Painted Post, NY, and Samuel Harer of Lewisburg, PA; Matt grew up in Tioga, PA. He served in the United States Navy, and later earned a degree in the engineering field from Reading Community College. Matt worked for nearly 20 years at Hoffman Industries in Reading, Pa. During his career Matt served as the recording secretary and member of the Local Executive Committee of United Steel Workers Local 6996. He spent a significant amount of time fighting for worker's rights, focusing on the loss of jobs in America's steel industry. Matt worked directly for United Steel Workers union during the 2016 election by campaigning for their interests across the state of Pennsylvania. Matt and his fellow steelworker's became the focus of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage who used their stories to write the play SWEAT, which premiered on Broadway in 2017. Matt loved to spend time in the woods or on the banks of a river or pond. He spent much time hunting and fishing with his father, brother, and cousin – Bud Sackett. Matt had a variety of interests to include Nascar Racing, attending rock concerts, and canning / smoking food. He was a loyal friend to many. Matt could tell a tall tale and could often be found in the midst of friends or extended family talking about life's adventures. He took pride in his daughter, Ashley. His granddaughter, Zoey, was the apple of his eye. Matt's life has taught much too many, and he will be truly missed. Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 at 12:00 PM at the Fire Company, 20 North Front Street, Womelsdorf, PA, and on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 Buckheit's Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 637 South Main St., Mansfield, PA. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with a service to follow at 3:00 PM. A time of fellowship at St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Mansfield will follow. Donations in memory of Matthew can be sent to The Fire Company of Womelsdorf, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com