Anthony (Tony) Graves, Ph.D., M.D.

It is with great sadness that we have learned about the death of former Alumnus of the Year J. Anthony (Tony) Graves, Ph.D., M.D. ’87. MHS honored Dr. Graves in 2015 for his commitment to pediatric cancer research and the example of excellence and philanthropy he set for MHS students, alumni and staff.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Kim and their family.

Family and friends are welcome at a celebration of Tony’s life on Saturday, March 23, from 2-6 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine, 1313 5th Ave, East McKeesport, PA 15035.

Learn more about his accomplishments.

On Thursday, March 14, 2019, James Anthony (Tony) Graves passed away at the age of 49, during a hospitalization related to a chronic illness. Tony was born in Cleveland, OH on January 28, 1970 and adopted by James and Suzanne Butler Graves of Pittsburgh. His youth was full of challenges, but one of the brightest spots was a special relationship with the Fienberg family of Squirrel Hill, particularly Joyce Fienberg, who he mourned deeply at her recent passing.

Tony graduated from Milton Hershey School in 1987 and received a B.A. in biology from Bucknell University and a Ph.D. in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University. He graduated from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2002, then completed his residency training and fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the faculty in 2008. In 2017, Tony became medical director at Novartis Oncology, and had recently joined Immunomedics as medical director of clinical development. He was author of numerous publications and received multiple professional awards. In 2015, he was named Alumnus of the Year at Milton Hershey School.

A dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan, Tony was always the life of the party. His warmth and empathy were profound and enabled him to forge lasting connections along every step of his journey. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Chambers Graves, and stepchildren, Zachary and Victoria Peterson; his second wife, Becky Lowmaster Graves, and their sons, James Anthony and Benjamin; and his first wife, Wendy Weibel Graves, and their son, Isaac.

Family and friends are welcome at a celebration of Tony’s life on Saturday, March 23, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine, 1313 5th Ave, East McKeesport, PA 15035. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Milton Hershey School alumni scholarship fund.