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Regency Park Man Still on Patrol at 100
Carl Orth/SUNCOAST NEWS
Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri presents a resolution to Edward B. Graham honoring Graham for his 30 years with the Regency Park Security Patrol. Graham, who turned 100 on Sept. 30, is still active with the community watch group.
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Published: October 3, 2007
PORT RICHEY, Fla. - PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Edward B. Graham's birthday cake might get a little crowded with candles.
The Port Richey-area resident joined the centenarian club last week with his 100th birthday Sept. 25.
But Graham doesn't believe in sitting still. He has served Regency Park Security Patrol for more than 30 years and continues to volunteer. His pals at the security patrol threw him a party Sunday.
Graham's example inspires members of the group led by Gail Havee, president.
Pasco County Commission members, who recently presented a resolution in Graham's honor, were equally impressed.
His story begins Sept. 25, 1907, when he was born in Astoria, N.Y. By age 10, he was singing songs to sell savings stamps to raise money for the American troops in World War I.
As a young man, Graham joined the United States Navy for three years during peace time.
He got hitched to the love of his life, Elsie, on May 18, 1929. The couple has two children, Martha Eilermann and Edward B. Graham Jr.
Life was good for the Graham family on Long Island, where he worked for Grumann Aircraft.
During World War II, he served in the Coast Guard temps. He also was a volunteer firefighter at New Hyde Park Fire Department for 12 years.
In 1937 at the World's Fair, none other than New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia presented an award to Graham for his bravery in capturing a robber.
The family moved in 1959 to Miami where Graham was in the Civil Air Patrol for 15 years.
In 1974, Graham and family moved to Pasco County and made their home in the Regency Park neighborhood.
The couple volunteered at Community Hospital for 15 years.
A very sad day came in 2002 when Graham lost Elsie, who died after 73 years of marriage. But he still carries on.
Graham is a director for the security patrol.
Along with President Havee, other officers of the group are Skip Havee, Kathleen Williams, Laura Czarney, Doris O'Connell and Jean Dobis.
Other directors are Mike VanWestering, Mike Pulaski, John Ventieri and Barbara Lantz. Art O'Connell and Sam Cappelleri are director trustees.
"Edward B. Graham is a smiling, friendly centenarian who is actively involved in his community and truly living life to the fullest," the award from the commissioners says.
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