Richard Allen Graber, age 89, died Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Westminster Canterbury, Winchester, Virginia.

“Al” was born September 12, 1935, to Irvin and Claire (Allen) Graber in Hutchinson, Kansas.

He was raised in Hutchinson and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school. He served in the Marines from 1954-1957. After his discharge, he met the love of his life, Mary Joleen Pendergast, and the two were married on August 6, 1960. They enjoyed a devoted and adoring marriage for over sixty-four years, raising four children and ultimately becoming the nucleus of a large extended family.

Al graduated from the University of Denver, with a business degree, in 1963, and went to work for Boise Cascade Corporation. His work led to many family relocations including Kansas City, San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles, Saint Helens, Seattle, Guatemala City, and finally, Winchester, Virginia in 1974.

In 1980, Al and three co-workers formed a partnership and bought Boise Cascade’s cabinet division. The new venture, American Woodmark Corporation, was very successful, going public in 1984. Al retired in 1988 and continued as a director for the company until 1997. American Woodmark is now one of the largest cabinet makers in the country.

In 1989, Al began a second career, in commercial real estate development. Beginning with his wish to save a single historic building, his vision quickly grew, ultimately resulting in Creekside Town Center, an award-winning development encompassing over 20 acres and 170,000 square feet of retail and office space. With his development of Creekside, Al is credited with bringing the “lifestyle center” concept to the region and attracting many coveted national brands to the Winchester retail market. For his business accomplishments and contribution to the community, Al was the recipient of the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008.

Throughout his life, Al was a committed member of the Catholic Church and a man of great faith. He selflessly served others, generously contributing to countless charities, good causes, and individuals in need, while ignoring any recognition he might receive for such acts. Above all, Al was a loving and committed husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Joleen Graber and their four children and spouses, Jan and Gary Kerns (Amanda Corsnitz, Megan, Travis & Theo Brown, Joe Kerns & Family), Jim Graber (Matt, Drew & Nick Graber), Kathy and David Crawford (Michael, Emily, Ashley, Caitlin & Jack Crawford), Joe and Christie Graber (Briton, Mackenzie, Aedan & Tegan Graber).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Claire Graber, and sister, Sandra Melland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 10am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Interment will be private. All are invited to join the family for food and fellowship at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel Reception Center at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Tuition Angels or Blue Ridge Hospice.