Eight Bells: George Graf, Jr.

George N. Graf, Jr.

George N. Graf, Jr. of Essex, CT and Williamsburg, VA died on March 30, 2023 at the age of 89. A native of Port Washington, NY, he also raised his family there.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a BS in Economics in 1955 and received his MBA from New York University in 1965. George enjoyed a long career as an investment banker, having worked at firms from Standard & Poor’s, Bear Sterns, Chemical Bank, Lazard and North Fork Bank.

He spent many years as in the US Army Reserves and was a proud veteran, but his greatest passion in life was his love of sailing. As the second oldest member of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, he spent summers racing his Manhasset Bay One Design on Long Island Sound and has served as Commodore, Vice Commodore, Secretary, and Club Historian.

He combined his love of history and yachting by researching and publishing A Centennial History of Manhasset Bay Yacht Club 1891-1991. He was also a member of Essex Yacht Club, researching and publishing a history of that club too. He served on the Board of the Connecticut River Museum and volunteered at Mystic Seaport and the Essex Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Cotter, four daughters, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Daughters Sally and Andy Gold of Syosset, NY; Susan Graf of Charlotte, NC; Dr. Jennifer and Andrew Glassman of New York City and Colchester, CT; and Kimberly McRae Graf of Clinton, CT. Grandchildren Rachel and Andrew Beska of Chandler, AZ and their three children, Ronan, Delaney and Rory; Cortland Williams of Baltimore, MD; Anna Glassman, Nicky Glassman, and Kameron Borden. He is predeceased by son George N. Graf III (Nicky) and grandson Daniel Gold.