Concord , NH – Thomas E. Graham, 93, of Concord, New Hampshire, passed peacefully into glory on March 12, 2026. Born in Queens, New York, He grew up and lived in Concord. He followed his two brothers into the Navy where he served on the USS Worcester. On one occasion, his quick action during a critical malfunction, helped prevent a boiler explosion and saved many lives. He married Eleanor Cilley in 1954, and in 1959, earned his Teaching Degree in Industrial Arts. He then taught woodworking, industrial arts, and occasionally Driver’s-Ed in various schools across New Hampshire, including Franklin, Nashua, Merrimack Valley, Rundlett Junior High, and Concord High School.
As a man of faith, he was a long-time member of Concord’s First Baptist (now CenterPoint) Church, where he faithfully served for over four decades, contributing to missionary work and volunteering at the church’s food pantry well into his late 80s.
After his teaching career, he became more than a custodian at the Bow Public Library, building bookshelves and creating the children’s reading area in the original building. He was always somewhat of an outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, and camping, and following retirement, he and Elli began traveling, often with his brother and sister-in-law, throughout the US, the U.K., and Europe.
Predeceased by his parents, William W. Graham and Beatrice (Whitford) Graham, and siblings, Audrey (Graham) Sanborn, Bill Graham, and Robert Graham. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Eleanor; their four children, Thomas II, Bruce, David, and Andrea; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and extended family and friends.
Calling hours are at Bennett Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and the celebration of Tom’s life will be held at the Restoration Church, 39 Fayette Street in Concord, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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