J. Graff Obituary

I remember Father Graff from my days at Quigley Seminary 1955 to 1958. I had him for an instructor and have fond memories of Father Graff. He and his family are in my prayers.

My deepest sympathy to you, Father's family, on his return to God--so happy for him and sad for you.
I have been ever grateful to him for his enormous and sustained help to me as I prepared and carried out a trip through Europe at age 24 while living in St. Gertrude's parish in 1955.
Lou, Father's sister-in-law, I would love to write you further. You had come to my house in San Francisco with Father and his Mother, on way to Vina around 1962. I have fondest memories of your visit.

Fr. Graff married my parents, Leo & Bernice Schmall, on July 3, 1937 at St. Francis Xavier Church. They celebrated their 70th anniversary this year, and fondly remember Fr. Graff. My parents send their condolences and prayers.

It would have been hard to be associated with Saint Thomas More parish during the past 35 years and not have grown to love Father Graff. Hard working, a good man, peaceful and always wanting to do for others are just a few words used to describe this holy man, but the words that best describe him are mentor and roll model. May He Rest in Peace and may we all dwell on the memory of his life.

May God Bless Father Graff for his kindness and friendship throughout his tenure at St Thomas More.

The Family of
Dr. James J. Gardner

Fr. Graff was moderator of the brush and stylus Club at Quigley when I was a student there (1946-1951). But he influenced me more in his capacity as History professor. In my all-too brief career teaching college history, I thought of him often and tried to imitate his candid and enthusiastic view of his subject.

I was also a History student of Fr. Graf at Quigley in the late 1950's. He was an especially gentle man and a remarkable teacher. Like his fellow professors, he was an excellent example to us of what a priest should be. A great inspiration to us all. I would have been at the funeral today had not the weather prevented.

I had Father Graff as a history professor at Quigley in 1955. I am so happy that last spring I contacted my former teachers at Quigley to let them know how they greatly influenced my life. Father Graff was a very kind and spiritual priest. You will be in my prayers, Father Graff.

Fr Graff was a kind and thoughtful priest. My family appreciated his
masses at St Thomas More for many years. His goodness will go on in spirit!
Thank you for your years of devotion and dedication.

I worked with Fr. Graff during the late 50's at St. Gerturde's parish, Chicago. He was always a great inspiration and a priestly priest.

I have known Father Graff for many years now. But I really got to know who he was when I started to work at the rectory of St. Thomas More. I always loved to hear his stories of when he was young and was at school to become a priest. He would tell me stories of how he was a crazy teen back in in the day, and he never had regrets. When he turned 94 he told me he had everything he has ever wanted and now he just wants to be with God and start his new life there. I am glad that Fr. Graff got his wish. I will truely miss seeing Fr. Graff's smiling face when I enter the rectory, and hearing stories of the past. May you rest in Peace Fr. Graff, I will always remember you.
Maura Michaels

Father Graff was my second year history prof at Quigley and I still remember the discussins about the Vatican Council II that he generated in 1959. Later on we also worked with each other at St. Irenaeus in Park Forest. A remarkable and great priest.

He was a gentle soul And a good and intelligent priest.

I met Father Graff when he was Associate Pastor at St. Irenaeus parish in Park Forest. He guided me through the rigors of RCIA and remained a dear and cherished friend for the remainder of his life. I spent an especially memorable afternoon with him at St. Thomas More just a few years ago as we retraced the highlights of his remarkable life through the pages of his many scrapbooks. He was the most Christlike person I will ever know, and I will miss his gentle presence in my life more than I can say. I take comfort in knowing that he returns to his Heavenly Home in time for Christmas this year. What a joyous celebration it will be.

I am another young man who admired a kind and dedicated teacher from Quigley 1960. I see that he contined sharing in various parishes. He was one of many admirable priests that taught at Quigley.

Father Graff shaped my entire adult life from the days together at Quigley when he taught me German, which I use when traveling to Berlin; and a love of history, as I collect historical treasures and artifacts from around the world. As Jim Farrell noted, Rev. Graff was an inspiration to us all. In 1967, as President of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity of Loyola University, we scheduled our Hell Week at St. Martin's Parish on the South Side where he was Pastor. We would go down there in the afternoons and repair things and clean up the grounds for the Church. One day we cut down the dead tree by the large stain glass window. Thank the Lord the tree dropped into the busy street there and not the window, though it stopped traffic for some time as it shattered into hundreds of pieces. The police were not happy with us either. God Love you my Father, as He must now that you have gone home. I know your students still do.
Dr. James Brophy III
Waukegan, Illinois

Fr. Graff was a terrific professor and role model to many of us who attended Quigley South. He treated us as adults when we were still just youths. My parents who were parishioners of St. Thomas More came to know and respect him. I visited with Fr. Graff last March at the STM rectory - he was so sharp and interested in the world. I was blessed to have known Fr. Graff. Jack Raba,MD QS '65

I knew Father Austin well from the time he was in Arizona. Although the mission at which I was stationed was about 50 miles from Sells, Father came occasionally and had supper with us. We enjoyed his company and appreciated his kindness. He was a wonderful example! I will miss him and keep him in prayer each day. May he be enjoying eternal rest and joy with the God He loved!
Sister Estelle

Father Graff is a wonderful role model for everyone that has had the pleasure and honor of knowing him. Father, please put in a good word for all of us.

Father Graff was my first spiritual director at Quigley in 1945. He had a long and dedicated life.

May the Lord reward his many years of work in His vinyard

Father Graff has been a great uncle to me in my life. In 1966 he inted me to EXPO in Montreal with his parash of St. Martins Church. 1n 1979 he administered my last rights durring my 13 month coma. In 1984 he married myself and Nora. We will miss you Uncle Shaw and thank you for helping me get back into my 2nd life!

Matthew