Mike Grafton of Milton, a treasured volunteer on many Sussex Habitat construction sites, died on July 5th after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 66 years old.  

 

A little over five years ago, Mike joined the construction volunteers, affectionately known as "the Regulars", after participating in a Habitat home rehabilitation project with the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches.   Mike was a natural on construction sites.  The former owner of Grafton Builders and a professional carpenter, his skills made him an instant fit for the Regulars working on Habitat homes every Wednesday and Saturday. 

 

Fellow Regular Bob Patterson described Mike as a teacher, "He was our resource when we got stuck.   Ask Mike or go get Mike."  Bob added, "Mike would often teach the other volunteers tricks and short cuts.  He taught us all a lot about building houses."  

 

For Mike, that desire to share his knowledge about carpentry and construction was ever-present.  Many times during his Habitat volunteer tenure, he served as House and Project Leader, roles that require skill, dedication, compassion, and patience.  He paid attention to volunteers on build sites-taking them under his

	Mike (in the back with red hat) and the Regulars, Christmas 2016

 wing.  Over the years, Mike guided hundreds of high school and college volunteers serving Habitat.    

For Mike, his family was never far from his mind. He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather.  Mike often talked about his wife Amy, the love of his life, his two wonderful grandchildren, his daughter Alexis, and his son Mike Jr., who occasionally served on construction sites with his dad. 

 

The Regulars summed up Mike in three words, " Mike is legendary.  He will be with us in spirit on our build sites for years to come."   We all are better for having known Mike Grafton.  God bless him.

 

Gallo gives!  Those two words mean a lot to our Habitat partner families.  Last week, for example, 10 volunteers from Berkshire Hathaway/Gallo Realty installed siding on a new home in Ellendale.  Supervised by Habitat construction regulars and AmeriCorps members, the Gallo employees enthusiastically applied their on-the-job training.   Last October, the Gallo Realty employees volunteered at another Sussex Habitat construction site.  And through the Gallo Gives Foundation, their generous contributions have provided support for the Habitat homeownership programs across Sussex County and ReStore.  So, when someone says " Gallo gives", we respond with gratitude, "Yes they do!"  We deeply appreciate all that Berkshire Hathaway/Gallo Realty does for families in need by giving to Sussex County Habitat.