Michael Graven

Michael (Mickey) Graven, 89, of Binghamton, peacefully passed from this life to heaven on Wednesday, May 10 to be reunited with Peggy, the love of his life.

Mickey was the only son of Michael T and Rose Haughney Graven. Born in Kingston, Pa, he moved to Binghamton as a young child. He made many lifelong friends, raised a family, had a wonderful career, practiced his faith, and met his love while settled on the Northside in an Irish neighborhood.  He attended St. Paul’s School and North High School. Mick was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, a past member of its council, and worked on many committees in his younger years.  As a young man, Mick joined the USMC and was in Korea during the war. The Marine Corp made an impression on his life that lasted forever. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

Mickey started his career at IBM working in the warehouse and quickly rose up the ladder. He was proud of his 36 years at IBM, often travelling to North Carolina, Colorado, Germany, and various places in NY to take or teach classes.  He was a member of its Quarter Century Club, Tuesday night golf league, and ended his career as a publisher in the Glendale Lab.

Mickey was very proud of his Irish roots and travelled to Ireland 3 times. He was raised with the stories, music, and culture which he passed down to his children. Some of his favorite days were listening to his sons and grandkids play Irish folk songs. Many happy times were spent watching his wife dance with her Irish dance group or enjoying lively Sunday Irish family dinners.

Mickey was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Margaret McMahon Graven (Peggy) of 63 years, Max Yurenda (his brother by choice), Jack McMahon (Noreen), (his special brother-in-law), niece Theresa McMahon, and dear friend Al Libous.

He is survived by his children: Michael (Irene), Kathleen (William) Nilsson, Gerald, Kelly (Betty) Graven Briggs, Timothy, Sally (Brandon) Phillips, Matthew (Angela) and 9 grandchildren: Justin (Meg), Tess, Bridget, Nora, Aidan, Breige, Esme, Shaelin, and Rogan. Also, 6 adopted grandchildren: Tommy, Danny, Conor, Mikey, Annie, Maggie.  Also a special cousin Roger Crake, nieces/nephew (Kate, Linda, Patrick, Noreen McMahon, and several other cousins.

As sad as we are to lose our dad, we are filled with joy to know that he is in heaven with his lord and once again reunited with mom, whom he has missed terribly over the past 3 years. Abiding by their wishes, a funeral mass will be celebrated for them together at St. Paul’s Church (State St, Binghamton) on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. immediately preceded by visitation at 9 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City.  In memory of Mick, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Church or the Broome County Animal Shelter.

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