PennsylvaniaDCHOF Posted July 4, 2006 Share Posted July 4, 2006 Yesterday night at approximately 11:00PM Dennis Graham passed away after a lengthy battle with a number of infections that developed after his suffering a heart attack nine months ago. Dennis began his Drum Corps career in 1959 as a baritone with the Westmoreland Esquires. He played baritone with them from 1959 through 1980 and returned to them from 1984 through 1988. He also played baritone with the Steel City Ambassadors competing Drum and Bugle Corps from 1980 through 1985 and the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps from 1998 until his illness. As an administrator he served as the Director/Business Manager of the Knight Hawks Junior Drum and Bugle Corps from the Pittsburgh, Pa. area from 1988 to 1989, Director/Business Manager of the Westmoreland Esquires from 1976 through 1980, Business Manager of the Steel City Ambassadors competing Drum and Bugle Corps from 1980 through 1983 and Director/Business Manager of the Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps from their inception in 1998 until the onset of his illness nine months ago. Dennis is also a Charter Lifetime Member of the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame with his induction taking place on April 30, 2005. Further information regarding services will be forthcoming as it becomes available. Chairman, Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobH Posted July 4, 2006 Share Posted July 4, 2006 RIP Dennis - I didn't know you, but as a poet once said, one man's death diminishes me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnZ Posted July 5, 2006 Share Posted July 5, 2006 Denny, I've missed you for twenty years, and I'll miss you even more now. Prayers for peace to you and your family, my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloist8603 Posted July 5, 2006 Share Posted July 5, 2006 I am so deeply saddened to hear of Denny passing away. In all of my years in drum corps I have never met a person that could compare to Denny. He will truely be missed. He was and will aways be one of my dearest friends. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Denny rest in peace my friend...................... Curt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennsylvaniaDCHOF Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 Dennis W. Graham Westmoreland City Dennis W. Graham, 63, of Westmoreland City, died Monday, July 3, 2006. Husband of Connie Franklin Graham. Father of three daughters, Michelle (Daniel) Ilich, of Herminie, Marla Graham, of North Huntingdon, and Renee (Shawn) Kistler, of Hempfield Township. Brother of Gary (Claudia) Graham and Donald Graham, of North Huntingdon. Also survived by nieces and nephews. He was a veteran of the National Guard, and employed by the Design Monument Co. in North Versailles. He was the director and co-founder of the Steel City Ambassador's Drum and Bugle Corps. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at STRIFFLER'S OF WHITE OAK CREMATION & MORTUARY SERVICES INC., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Darrell D. Knopp officiating. The Steel City Ambassadors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps members are to assemble in front of the funeral home at 7:00 PM sharp. Please wear your new shirts, black pants, black socks, black shoes and NO hats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Bari Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I am saddened to hear of Denny's passing. I truly enjoyed my time at SCA Alumni, and Denny was one of those who made sure that happened. Ah, the bright lights of drum corps dim a slight bit more as another fine spirit departs our world for the next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweendoc Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Denny old friend, sorry to see you go. Your life touched alot of people down here. Now as you begin eternity with that heavenly corps, say hello from me to Bernie, Ed, Chuck, Rob, and all those corps people who have gone before. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your friends, Gregg and Terri Sweney... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Krackin' Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Denny was one of the people that impressed me the most when I first started in drum corps. He made me realize that there was a long tradition of people giving so much of themselves to keep drum corps alive in Pittsburgh. Truly a class act. He will be missed by many. My condolensces to the Graham family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregZ Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 How sad. When I read in one of our local papers about Denny's passing, I was shocked. I had no clue that Denny had health issues. He gave so much to drum corps and I will never forget his smile. I'm sure he is up there smiling down at us and marching with the angels. My deepest sympathies to Denny's family and friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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