Michael William Graham,  65, Mims, Fla., formerly of Rochester, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Hospice of St. Francis of Titusville, Fla.

On July 31, 1951, Michael was born in Rochester to Robert William and Erma Jean Overmyer Graham, the former owners of Rochester City Dairy.

After several moves with his family, Mike graduated from high school in 1969 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Later, he made Florida his home. While back home in Indiana, he often included time for mushroom hunting.

Known to be honest, strong, brave, nice  and to have common sense, Mike was also a hard worker.  “ I fixed things my whole life, it works.” As a stationery engineer he worked as a shop steward for the Board of Education in public schools on blowers and chillers. He fought for the rights of many hard working lower level workers as a member of the AFL-CIO Labor Union.

Mike loved animals. A young street cat was near death but God brought her back to a full life after a lot of medical care. Sugar eventually lost her fight for life, but was considered family to Mike. His concern about the tragic abuse of cats in Florida, led him to assist with many rescues.

Listening to the greatest hits of Neil Young, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger was a great way for Mike to relax.

Surviving are nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and several feline companions.

Preceding Mike in death are his parents, grandparents and Sugar his feline companion.

Pastor Charlene Harris Allen will officiate services. He will be laid to rest next to his parents at the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.