After a long struggle with congestive heart failure, Henry John Graver, Jr of Chester, (formerly of Guilford) died peacefully on Sept. 13 at the age of 89.

He was the son of the late Henry J. Graver and Christine Hartmann Graver. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Ellen Larsen Graver, his son Lance Larsen Graver and his sister Audrey. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Louise Gideonse Graver, two grandchildren, Darrell James Graver of New Haven and Kurt Graver of North Branford; two step-children, Brad Bunney of Northbrook, Illinois and Katje Bunney of Chevy Chase, Maryland; and five step-grandchildren.

Hank was born and grew up in East Haven, a town that always remained dear to him. The remainder of his life (until the move to Chester two months ago) was spent in Guilford. After graduating from East Haven High he attended and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University earning his bachelor of arts degree. He continued his education, earning his Master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. He also attended the Yale Divinity School’s Guidance Counseling program for two years before it was discontinued. A lifelong career in high school guidance counseling followed. He loved working with teenagers, finding the best careers or the most meaningful college experiences for them. He served in that capacity in West Haven, Guilford, and East Haven, retiring in 1997.

In his spare time Hank spent many hours gardening both at his home and for the Henry Whitfield House. He served on various boards and commissions in Guilford, including the Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning, Marina, Water Pollution Control, to name a few. He was also a lifetime member of the Guilford Agricultural Society. But nearest and dearest to his heart was the Guilford Food Bank.

Services will be held privately. It is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Guilford Food Bank, Guilford Social Services, 263 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437; https://www.guilfordfoodbank.org/ Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.