Albert Graf

Albert Clifford Graf, 83, of Pensacola, Florida was called home into the heavenly kingdom by our Lord on September 26, 2009 while on a working vacation in Germany. He was traveling with his son, John Endacott. Al was born on January 18, 1926 to Clifford and Carolyn Graf in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Rittman High School in 1944, he immediately joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served until the end of World War II. Al attended Miami University of Ohio from 1945-1949 where he played varsity football and was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Al earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and he has remained a benefactor of his beloved Alma Mater throughout his life. In 1974, he completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard University School of Business. In March of 1951, he married Mary Deeann Bevans in Louisville, Kentucky. They had two children, Michael Clifford Graf and Susan Frances Graf. Al tragically lost Deeann in an auto accident in October 1971. While on a ski trip to Colorado in 1976, he met Roberta Endacott, and they were married on his birthday in 1977. He was preceded in death by Roberta in February of this year. They shared 32 years together and raised two sons, John Evans Endacott and J Brooks Endacott. Al had a storied career - he and his lifelong friend, Samuel Swope, started an automobile franchise in Elizabethtown, Kentucky in 1951. He then ascended from salesman to President of the Bowman Products Co. Al founded two very successful banks; the first was in Breckenridge, Colorado; the second was the first locally-owned bank in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 1979, Al and his partner, Lefferts Mabie, founded, designed and built the Oyster Bar Restaurant and Marina on Perdido Key, Florida. Al also founded and was the CEO of National Standard Parts Associates, which manufactures the finest electrical connectors in the world. His philanthropical actions were too numerous to list here; however it is safe to say that he was a true force of generosity and kindness to his fellow man in every community that he lived in. Al is survived by four children, Michael Graf Kelly, Susan Graf, John Endacott Pam, and Brooks Endacott Nicole. Al had nine grandchildren, Jason Graf, Lindsey Wells, Chloe Kowalski, Roman Kowalski, Gabrielle Endacott, Olivia Endacott, Quinten Endacott, Calla Endacott, and Lara Endacott. Al was also very close to his three nephews and niece, Clifford Weber, David Weber, Jack Weber, and Carrie Lynn Weber. We would be remiss not to mention his beloved dogs, Steffi II and Samson. Al's unexpected passing has been devastating to his family and many friends. We would like to thank everyone for the much needed support and prayers that we have been blest to receive. A family gathering will be held at the Embassy Suites in Beachwood on Sunday October 4th, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 pm. The Embassy Suites is located at 3775 Park East Drive, Beachwood, Ohio telephone 216-765-8066. A Funeral Service celebrating the extraordinary life of Al Graf will be held at St. Christopher's by the River Episcopal Church, on Monday October 5th, 2009 at 10:00 am. The church is located at 7601 Old Mill Road, Gates Mills, Ohio. The Rev. Conrad Selnick will officiate. Al will be laid to rest at a beautiful riverside cemetery in Gates Mills, Ohio. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Salvation Army of Pensacola, Florida; 1501 North Q St. Pensacola, Florida 32505 or All Saints Parish Church, PO Box 4538, Pensacola, Florida 32507.


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