Grafton Leroy Aleshire

Grafton “Griff” Leroy Aleshire, age 79, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019.  Griff was born April 14, 1940, in Stanley, VA, to Howard and Mary Aileen (Richards) Aleshire.  After growing up in Luray, VA, he graduated from Page County High School in 1958, where his job driving trucks led him to Laurel, MD.  This is where he met his wife of 55 years while she worked at her family’s diner.  After proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 they were married on June 14, 1964. His job driving trucks then led him to a lifelong career at the United States Naval Academy.  While making deliveries he applied, and was hired, for a position with their transportation department.  Working his way up from a driver, to the Director of Transportation, he retired from United States Naval Academy in 2000 after 31 years of service.  Griff was a known story teller with a huge heart that would help anyone without hesitation.  There wasn’t anyone that crossed his path that he wouldn’t tell a funny story to, or a bad Dad joke.  He was an active member in the Masonic Order, Past Master of Odenton Lodge #209, Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #29, Grand Sentinel for the State of Maryland OES; and a member of the Shriners, Tall Cedars, and American Legion #276.  His affiliations within the Masonic fraternity were far and wide, as he was a member of several other Masonic organizations. He attended Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, where he was a MYF counselor and sang in the choir.  Griff was proceeded in death by his sister Joyce (Aleshire) Griffith; his brother Howard Leighton Aleshire; his daughters April Lynn Aleshire and Melissa Kay Aleshire; and his cat Duke.  He is survived by his wife Ellen Kay Aleshire; his daughters Laura Hubsch and Renee Aleshire Bossert; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and one grand dog.

Following the committal service on Sunday, the family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life gathering at 3:00 PM at the Odenton Masonic Center, 1206 Stehlik Drive in Odenton. 

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