Newburyport - Newburyport - Peter Arthur Graves, 83, a resident of Newburyport passed away Wednesday morning March 5, 2025 at Anna Jaques Hospital Newburyport. He was born on December 8, 1941 in Bennington, VT to the late John J. and Marion (Bolster) Graves. He was educated in Manchester, VT and was a 1959 graduate of Burr and Burton Seminary.

Following his education Peter was employed by several construction companies as an Explosives Expert aiding in the construction of many roads and highways including Route 7, 91, and 89. Not one to be confined to one career he went on to make jewelry and ending his full time working career as a Manager for Dorr Oil before retirement. In retirement he founded Surfland on Plum Island where he found a love of repairing fishing rods.

He mastered anything he set out to do, later on in life he became a Certified Gemologist and Goldsmith producing beautiful jewelry for his business as well as for family and friends. He also created reproduction antique firearms and Windsor chairs using traditional techniques with attention to the finest details. An accomplished fisherman and lifetime member of the Plum Island Surfcasters, he enjoyed spending as much time as possible fishing with friends. As an explosives expert he was drawn to the National Association of Rocketry and was a lifetime member.

A man of few words and thoughtful contemplation, his love for his wife, his daughter, grandson and family was unwavering and heartfelt. If you were one of his chosen circle of friends, there was no end to his loyalty. He loved deeply forever.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Louise (Roche) Graves of Newburyport; daughter, Terry Downey of Arlington, VT; grandson, Harrison Downey; numerous nieces and nephews and well as grand nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his siblings, John Graves, Martha Starr, and Gretchen Nolet.

Family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday March 10, 2025, at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950. His service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home and burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Peter's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/ or Shriners Children's online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.