EAST MEREDITH - Nicholas William DeGraw passed away at home on Dec. 13, 2023, at the age of 76.

Born on Sept. 11, 1947, to James and Ethyl (Stymacks) DeGraw Jr. in Patterson, New Jersey, Nick spent his childhood climbing trees, fishing with Jack and swimming on the Budd Lake swim team.

At only 17 years of age Nick wanted to serve his country, being underage, he had to get permission from his parents to do so. Having their consent, Nick joined the United States Air Force until June of 1967 in which he was given a medical discharge.

In the 1970's Nick went to work at Allied Chemical where he met his best friend and love of his life Rita. Nick and Rita were married on July 6, 1975, and started their life together in Hope, New Jersey.

After the arrival of their two sons, (Mark and Eric), Nick and Rita made the decision for him to become a partner on the family farm on Sutherland Road, in Meredith. This is where Nick was able to do what he was meant to in this life, farm. Family life on the farm became complete when Nick and Rita welcomed their third son, Scott; all the while playing an integral part of the success of Bajube Farm. Milking 160 head and having 400 total cows, the farm was one of the largest in the area at the time. Nick took great pride in the successful operation of the family farm for more than 20 years. Following Bajube's devastating barn fire in 1996, Nick decided it was time to step back from farming and took a job at Ultra Dairy until his official retirement. However, retirement wasn't a word Nick took too seriously. You could always find him on a tractor, either feeding cows, fixing a fence, or doing field work. Nick enjoyed being outdoors and working the land. To this day Nick's advice and opinion on running a farm is heavily respected by Mark on a daily basis.

His absence will be greatly felt by all. Rita and Nick shared a love like no other. As a husband, Nick was devoted, caring, and loving. As a father, Nick is remembered by his children as being a good man who everyone loved. A father who was strong enough to handle the challenges of raising three boys, and tender enough that they knew he loved them with all his heart. The boys have become the men that they are because of Nicks unending support and guidance over the years. As a grandfather, Nick loved all his grandchildren, he cherished his time with Lauren and Ruby. Sharing an amazing bond with Ruby, you would often find the two of them playing together, whether it be in the sandbox, playing house or watching cartoons. Nick found great joy and purpose in his later years watching her grow. Ruby will forever be looking to the stars for her favorite Pop Pop.

Nick leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Rita; sons, Nick (Norma), Mark (Colleen), Eric (Monica) and Scott; daughter, Michelle (George) Augustinski; grandchildren, Kayla, Samantha, Lauren, Ruby, Helaina, and Tait; great-grandchildren, Foster and Myles; brothers-in-law, Bart Misiewicz and Ben (Margaret) Misiewicz; several nieces and nephews; and a longtime friend, Jack Oudin.

He was predeceased by his mother, Ethel and stepfather, Louis Christ; father, James DeGraw Jr.; and sisters, Ruthann and Shiela DeGraw.

Friends and relatives are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Delhi.

Contributions in memory of Nick may be made to the Save A Vet Fund, 97 Main St., Suite 4, Delhi, NY 13753

Share condolences with the DeGraw family at www.hallandpeet.com.