Graham Robert Hudgings of West Chester

1970-2017

Graham Robert Hudgings departed this life on May 5, 2017 at the age of 47.

Graham’s life was defined by his abiding love of others and his ability to help people realize their unique gifts and abilities. As a parent, spouse, brother, son, friend and coach, Graham recognized people’s strengths and needs and worked to bring out the best in each of them.

He was a lifelong sports fan who had strong interests in basketball and baseball and was a talented musician, often entertaining family and friends with humorous spur-of the moment serenades. With his humor and cheerful nature, Graham changed the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact.

Graham comes from a close and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Sarah and sons Patrick, 25, and Liam, 15; his parents, Margaret and Jim; brother Ian, his wife Selay, and their daughter Maya; sister Meg Niiler, her husband Tim, and their children Mateo and Ana Maria.

In recent years, Graham’s life revolved around the West Chester Dragons baseball league which he founded in 2010. Graham emphasized the importance of skill development and enjoyment of the game while demonstrating sportsmanship and character. View the tribute from the Dragons family at https://wcdragons.com.

Graham was a graduate of Westtown School (1988) and Kenyon College (1992) where he graduated with honors. He earned an MA degree in Psychology from Immaculata University (1996).

Throughout his life, Graham enjoyed connecting with people. He sang in the Holy Trinity Boys Choir, participated in CISV (Children’s International Summer Villages), belonged to multiple musical groups, led YMCA camps, tutored students with reading issues, worked at Auto Wise, and founded Dragons baseball. Graham was appreciated for his ability to connect with people, his creativity, and his sharp wit.

An exposure to chemicals compromised his health and for 22 years, he fought the illness that ensued. He wanted to be sure that everyone is aware of the dangers of pesticides and chemicals in our air, food and water. He and his family started an organization called Don’t Spray Me in West Chester in 2015 to try to educate the community about the dangers to human health and the environment of spraying toxic substances.

Graham’s family will miss him tremendously but is comforted by the memories, their love for him, and the stories of his impact on people’s lives. The family has planned a memorial service for Friday, June 23rd at 11 a.m. on the campus of Westtown School. The service will be held in the Meeting House where Graham’s life will be celebrated. After the service, please join the family for refreshments and fellowship. The family invites everyone to bring a photo and/or written memory of Graham to post on display boards at the service and to bring solace to the family. Weather permitting, there will be baseball of some sort.

Contributions in Graham’s memory may be made to West Chester Dragons at https://wcdragons. com or to the Sierra Club of Chester County (Sustainability Committee) at http://sc.org/pa-spg, “SPG/ Sustain’ty Cmte”.

Arrangements are being handled by DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, www.DeBaptiste.com, 610-696-4812.