FARMINGTON, Conn. - L. Gardner Graves Jr., 64, died June 30, 2011.

He was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Bennington, Vt., the son of Hope J. and Louis G. Graves.

He graduated from Suffield Academy in 1964 and earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Colgate University in 1968.

Mr. Graves was a real estate agent and co-owner of Realty Works in Canton for many years. In 2008, he was recognized as Business Person of the Year by the Canton Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Betsy (Roemke) Graves; his mother of Bennington; a son, Stuart Graves of Irvine, Calif., and a daughter, Lisa Spencer of Dexter, N.Y.; three sisters, Lodie Colvin, Judy Knight, both of Bennington, and Linda Shanafelt of Bradenton, Fla.; three grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father and a brother, John Graves.

There are no calling hours.

Private burial will be in Bennington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.milesforhope.org or Miles for Hope, 1684 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Vincent Funeral Home of Canton (findagrave.com)