Daryl Graeff

Daryl Graeff 67 of Airville, PA took his final ride through the river hills of the Susquehanna, on Friday February 28th, 2025. Born on November 18th, 1957 in Refton, he was the youngest son of Robert & Miriam Graeff. He passed away peacefully Friday night in Pequea, which was one of his favorite places to spend Saturdays and Sundays with his daughter, dogs, good family and good friends.

Daryl Graeff is survived by his daughter, Jenna D. Graeff, whom he shared with his former spouse, Donna Tomlinson, as well as a son-in-law, Matthew Byrne. He was grateful to have Noah Byrne as his grandson and was happy to be known as “Pap.” He also leaves behind his life partner, coffee girl & wife of 17 years, Carol Topolewski with whom he shared a spoiled dog child, named Bug. With her, he shared a stepson John Topolewski (Vanessa) and two step grandsons, Ronan & Max. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Miriam A. Graeff, brother Donald Graeff (Anne) sister Deborah Brown (Jeff) & sister Donna Bare (Mike). He was preceded in death by his father Robert Graeff. He was affectionately known and loved by his many nieces and nephews as “Uncle Daryl.” He also leaves behind hundreds, maybe thousands of good, neighbors, friends and acquaintances across southern Lancaster County.

Daryl was an avid sportsman in his younger years, achieving many athletic awards in football, baseball, bowling, and later becoming known for his accuracy skills in darts and shooting pool. In 1980, a motorcycle accident caused him to lose his leg, but he never let that stop him from doing what he loved and squeezing so much out of life. He rarely saw himself as disabled but rather embraced his limitations with humor and looked for ways to find the joy in every day. He was a staunch advocate for improving accessibility for people with physical limitations.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he began his career as a laborer and moved into operating heavy equipment. He had a successful 30-year career with Andrew’s Excavating in Willow Street. Throughout his life, he also worked for countless friends and family doing many side jobs. He filled his days “off” by helping others move their dirt and earth. And whenever it snowed, if you were a good friend or good neighbor, you would find that he had your driveway plowed before your first cup of coffee.

Family and community were the two most important things to Daryl. He was a long-time member of the Pequea Boat Club and he lit up the bar rooms of the Frogtown Café, Lancaster County Sports Farm, Rawlinsville Hotel, Riverside, and everywhere in between. He found joy in seeing familiar faces and going somewhere where everyone knows your name. For many years, he shot pool in the Solanco Pool League, even taking first place shooter in the league one season. This past year he was a proud member of Pequea Boat Club Team 1 and though he was unable to shoot for most of the season, was beaming with pride that they took first place. Anyone that knew Daryl through these communities, knew him by his never-ending kindness, crazy jokes, and big heart. He had an enormous spirit that instantly filled the room whenever he walked in.

In recent years, Daryl enjoyed poker nights with friends, trips to the Outer Banks, deep sea and trout fishing, playing as many games of bingo as he could find, and spending extra time driving his Amish community members throughout the Susquehanna River hills. He was grateful to reside on a beautiful farm on Muddy Creek, and helped his Amish neighbors move earth, tend the animals, and even tried his hand at planting tobacco. These were the peaceful places that he continued life’s work and squeezed endless joy out of every day, even as he continued to grow sicker over time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend an evening memorial service at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home, 141 E. Orange St. Lancaster on Friday March 21st from 4-6pm. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 pm until the time of the service around 5:15 pm. Additionally, a drop-in Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00pm-7:00pm on Saturday March 22nd at 421 Bridge Valley Rd, Pequea. Please drop by throughout the day to enjoy pictures, video, stories, music and food provided by two of Daryl’s favorites, Dottie’s Snack Bar & Frogtown Café. Carpooling together to these events is encouraged. All of Daryl's acquaintances, neighbors, friends and family are welcomed with open arms to stop by and Enjoy The Day with us.

In omission of flowers, contributions may be made in Daryl’s memory to Loft Community Partnership at www.loftcp.org or by mail to PO Box 115 Millersville, PA 17551. Daryl was unbelievably proud of his daughter’s work in connecting community, creating better access to food and providing critical resources to the Penn Manor area. Proceeds in his memory will be used for the Nourish and Grow Summer Lunch Program feeding PMSD students all summer long. Additionally, the family would like to thank both the staff of LGH Penn Medicine Hospital and Daryl’s earthly angel Kara Fisher-Garber for their compassionate care which allowed us to enjoy more time with our beloved dad, son, brother, partner & friend.