Robert Graham, 77, Lake Forest

Robert Raymond Graham, Jr., beloved husband of Jennifer Lyn Graham and dear father to Robert Raymond Graham, III, and Jennifer Ellyn Graham, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on the morning of August 16, 2022

Robert was the eldest son of Robert Raymond Graham, Sr., and Margaret Ellen Graham of River Forest, IL. Born in Loretto Hospital on June 29, 1945, Robert was a lifelong resident of the Chicago area. He graduated from Fenwick High School in 1963 and completed undergraduate studies in philosophy at Loyola University Chicago in 1967. He also held graduate degrees in education from Loyola University Chicago as well as management from the Northwestern Graduate School of Management.

Over the course of his life, Robert used his education and considerable intellectual gifts to share knowledge and wisdom with young people. He served as a teacher, principal, and educational consultant in numerous schools throughout the United States, and he was an ardent supporter of Catholic education. His most important goal always was to care for young people and guide them on their journey through life.

Robert was blessed with a special ability to see and care for people at risk of going unnoticed by others. He was an instant brother and friend to people from all walks of life, and he constantly searched for ways to be of service to those around him. His favorite question, which he posed repeatedly to his family, doctors, and nurses even in the days before his passing, was, “What can I do for you?” Not even a hard-fought battle with cancer could make him lose his patience and kindness. To the contrary, he maintained a sense of charm, warmth, and humor that could convince any stranger or friend that he was in perfect health up until his passing.

Robert attributed his enduring strength to the love, attention, and care of his family. He was a wonderful husband and extraordinary father who loved his family with his great, huge heart. He was a living embodiment of generosity, kindness, and compassion who will be missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.

Robert is also survived by his three siblings, Margaret Ellyn Graham of River Forest, Illinois, John Butler Graham of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Thomas Anthony Graham of River Forest, Illinois, as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout the Chicago area and the Midwest.

In accordance with Robert’s wishes, a small funeral mass attended by Robert’s family and friends was held on August 19, 2022, at St. Patrick’s Church in Lake Forest, Illinois. His final resting place is in Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

Donations in Robert’s name may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, PO Box 734985, Chicago, Illinois 60673-4985. Please make checks payable to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation” and include Robert Graham in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at foundation.nm.org or by phone at (833) 443-8663. Your gift will support the Lake Forest Hospital Cancer Center. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022