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Octavius Graham - Class of 1967

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 03/Mar/2025
71.223.69.10

    Octavius Graham, 77, of Middletown, NY, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at Garnet Health Medical Center, Middletown, NY.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Octavius was welcomed into a loving home by his foster family in Newburgh at the age of 12. He quickly discovered his love of all things musical. Octavius became a well-known Hudson Valley personality and entertainer. He was a lead singer and drummer/percussionist for many bands, most notably The Stingrays of Newburgh. From the 1980s through February 2025, he entertained countless people as DJ "Extraordinaire" Octavius.

The love Octavius had for his family was monumental. He was proud beyond measure to be the patriarch of the big, beautiful, blended family that he shared with his wife, Anne Marie.

To know Octavius was to love him, and he brought joy through his music and personality everywhere he went every day of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Anne Marie; children and step children, Dana McDowell (Adonis), Autavis Graham (Allison), Stefanie Graham, Melissa Graham (Herbert), Danielle Brand (Micah), Michael Wilford (Jessica), Regina Padilla (Jose); 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Roger Graham (Ruth); nephews and nieces, Roger Graham, Barrett Graham, Sandra DeSousa, Joshua DeSousa; many foster nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Adele Graham, first wife, Marion Brown Graham, and foster parents, Junius and Clydia Williams.

At the family's request, visitation will be limited to family and intimate friends only. Please respect their wishes.

The family would like to invite everyone whose life was touched by Octavius to a Celebration of Life to honor his extraordinary life. We welcome with open arms all that have been touched by his light to partake in sending him home in the spirit in which he lived…with love, laughter, joy, and (of course) music. Stop in or stay for a while. We want to see you. The celebration will be held on Tuesday, March 4, from 6 – 9 pm at The Barn at the Meadows, 270 Schutt Road, Middletown, NY. - October 17, 1947 - February 27, 2025