Robert “Bob” Louis Graeff, 66, of Reading, PA, passed away in the morning of March 7, 2026, surrounded by family at Reading Hospital.
Bob was born on July 24, 1959 to Carl Graeff and Geraldine (Cody) Graeff. He graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in 1977 before attending Penn State Berks. Bob retired as a pipefitter from Steamfitters Local 420 in 2012, where he built many friendships over his 30 years that remained through the rest of his life.
Bob was a loving husband for 41 years to Sheri L. (Johnson) Graeff of Birdsboro, PA.
He was a devoted father to Benjamin R. Graeff, husband of Sarah (Metz) Graeff, and Sarah (Graeff) Ashcroft, wife of Justin M. Ashcroft. He was happily anticipating the arrival of his daughter’s first child this summer. He enjoyed coaching his children in basketball and indulging in their hobbies (building them a tree fort and half pipe ramp).
Bob is predeceased by his parents and sister, Victoria Rys, wife of Michael Rys and survived by his brothers, Richard Graeff, Joseph Graeff, husband of Karen Graeff, James Graeff, husband of Jane Graeff, and Thomas Graeff, and sisters, Christine Cotter, wife of Vincent Cotter, and Barbara Ingram, wife of James Ingram. Bob is also loved by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Music was Bob’s passion. He enjoyed playing guitar and harmonica. It was a rare occasion to walk into a quiet house – there was always music playing from a record
player, radio, or livestream. Bob shared his love of music with anyone willing to sit, listen, and appreciate the sounds, instruments, and artists – especially Neil Young, Bob
Dylan, and Steely Dan. You would be hard pressed to ask Bob a music question that he could not answer. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling in a league at the Oley Fire
Company for several years. He was a past member of the Clover Park Athletic Association, Shillington.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 13 th at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (423 Main Street, Oley) where friends and family are welcome
to share in their love of Bob. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to 88.5 FM Philly Radio Station, WXPN 3025 Walnut
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, or online here: xpn.org. Our Fridays will forever be known as “Funky Fridays” thanks to Bob.
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