Melvin Lee Graham, Sr.

Melvin Lee Graham, Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He was born April 25, 1954 to the late Lee Marion and Willie Maude Graham.

Melvin grew up in Albany’s south end and graduated from Phillip Schuyler High School. He played a wide variety of sports as a youth and continued through high school where he was a standout player for Phillip Schuyler’s baseball and basketball teams earning many awards for his sportsmanship and athletic skill.

After graduating high school, Melvin began working as a longshoreman at the Port of Albany. In 1976, he joined the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) as a Machinist. Melvin was very proud of his time at Conrail (which later became CSX) and would often tell people, “The work ain’t hard when you know what you’re doing.” He worked for the railroad for 25 years before retiring in 2001.

Melvin had many hobbies including fishing, hunting, traveling, bowling, and softball. He was also a student of history who would often discuss major events in American history and their impact on politics, business, and sports. Melvin was also a member of the Capital City Lodge #78 F&AM Prince Hall Masons. Above all else, Melvin loved his family, especially his son, his pride and joy, Melvin Lee Graham, Jr.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Willie Graham, son Melvin Graham Jr., and brother Rickey Graham. Left to cherish his memory are his brother Don (Delores) McGough, niece Avianca McGough, and nephews Sean McGough, Marcel McGough, Kareem Graham, and James Browning. Melvin is also fondly remembered by many members of his large extended family and cherished friends.

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