Obituary of Wallace K. Graham

Wallace K. Grubman-Graham passed away peacefully in Concord, NH on January 6, 2012. Mr. Grubman-Graham was the devoted husband of 61 years to his loving wife Ruth Graham and the father of three sons, James Grubman (deceased), Steven Graham and Eric Grubman. Steven is married to Jean Graham, and Eric is married to Elizabeth Compton. He was a man of tremendous character and modesty, paying his way through Columbia University by playing the drums professionally while studying Chemical Engineering and playing defensive end on the famous 1947 Columbia Football team that ended Army's unbeaten streak. He spent his entire working career at National Starch and Chemical Company becoming the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1984. He was the first American named to the Board of Directors at Uniliver PLC, the successor to National Starch. As Chemicals Coordinator, he was responsible for the worldwide specialty chemicals businesses. He served on a number of corporate and industry boards during his career. Wallace and his wife raised their family in Plainfield, NJ eventually moving to Mendham, NJ and then to England. Following retirement he and his wife continued to live in Surrey, England and then in Boston. They spent several years at their cherished little "camp" on Pleasant Lake in Northwood, NH before moving to Rockport, Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were long time supporters of the Epilepsy Foundation, the Columbia University Chemical Engineering Department and the American Cancer Society. Mr. Grubman- Graham was an Eagle Scout and they supported the Boy Scouts of America. He was a playing member of the Plainfield Symphony. He is survived by his wife Ruth and sons Steven Graham of E. Longmeadow, MA, and Eric Grubman of Summit, NJ; granddaughters Erika, Christine and Alison Graham; and grandsons James and Samuel Compton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Foundation of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Inc., 243 Charles Street Boston, MA 02114 or online at www.masseyeandear.org. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Summit, NJ on January 17th at 11am. For more complete information on services, please see the entry for Wallace K. Graham at www.BaileyFuneralHomes.com