Graften Dearden of Whitman passed away on March 13, 2025, peacefully, at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was the son of the late Robert F. Dearden and Pauline (Tolchko) Dearden. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Leader) Dearden for 57 years. He is survived by his sister Carol of Shrewsbury, and brothers Ronald, Peter, and Paul, of South Boston. He is also survived by his children Lisa Sproules and her husband Bill of Whitman, Robert Dearden and his fiancé Jen of Whitman, Kerry Chase and her husband Brian of Pembroke, Richard Dearden and his wife Danielle of Weymouth, James Dearden and his wife Charlene of Hanover, and a beloved family friend, who Graften considered “one of the kids,” Trevor Davies. He was the proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren, the late Sarah Deady and Harry, Max, Kelsey, Nicholas, Colby, Rylee, Camryn, Ava, Brody, Callie, Reese, Tori, Tyler, and four great-grandchildren Alina, Avery, Noelle, and Mason. He was also the beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Graften grew up in South Boston. He worked at the Mass Machine Shop and for many years in the stained-glass business and during retirement at The Blooming Place in Weymouth. He was a “jack of all-trades” and could always be counted on to help with anything. Graften was an active man and enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. He played softball and loved bowling and darts. He was a great fisherman and loved going camping with the family and taking hikes in the mountains. He also loved to play cribbage with friends. He had a deep appreciation for history and loved to visit local historical sites. One of his favorites was Castle Island where he would go fishing as a young boy. Later in life he would take his family there for day trips where the kids would go swimming, play games and watch the planes fly overhead. Family time spent there created fond memories that lasted a lifetime.
Graften’s passion in life was his family, and he loved spending time with them. He truly enjoyed all the birthdays, weddings, and family parties where he shared many laughs and created lasting memories. He especially loved the time he spent with his beloved wife Phyllis who he loved more than anything. Graften was a man of character and will be missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to Graften’s visiting hours on Saturday March 22 at 2:30-5:30 PM followed by a 5:30 funeral service at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman.