Dennis Graham

Dennis Graham

  Dennis Graham, 64, passed away from cancer on May 12, 2025, shortly after diagnosis, in Phoenix with his eldest daughter by his side.

   He has been reunited with his father, Merlin Graham, and his younger sister, Jeanette (Robert) Erhart.

  Dennis is survived by his mother, Beverly Lutes; his brother, Darrell Graham (Takako); and his sister, Beverly Tipton (Charles). He is also survived by his daughters, Lizette Gil-Azamar (Raul) and Leslie Hardy (Daryl); seven grandchildren, Angel (Emma), Isaiah, Adrian, Adan, Brenna, Owen, and Azalea; and two great-grandchildren, Elias and Gianni.

   Dennis worked hard from a young age delivering papers, mowing lawns, and working in the grocery store meat department. He received a diploma from Animas High school near Playas, New Mexico, before joining the Army and serving from 1978 to 1980 on the Buddy Plan with his good friend. He worked as a journeyman welder at Phelps Dodge in New Mexico until he transferred to BHP in San Manuel, which brought his family to Oracle, in 1987. There he continued welding and eventually transitioned to working at the SXEW plant, handling chemicals and computers.

   Dennis was a man of many interests: a collector of coins and gemstones, a creative writer, a cook and a baker. He loved gardening, cooking for his family, camping, hunting, fishing, watching movies, music and astrology.

   Our dad was a man who loved deeply, laughed easily, and lived with an open heart. He was a storyteller, a hard worker, a family man, and a dreamer.

   Dennis Graham will be cremated. Services for Dennis will begin with full military honors just before 11 a.m. on July 26 at Santa Catalina Catholic Church, located at 14380 N. Oracle Rd. in Catalina.