Albany – Matthew F. Graves, 70, a much loved husband, father, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn in Albany.

Born in Troy, NY on February 26, 1947, Matt was raised and educated in Averill Park and was the son of the late Floyd and Grace (Considine) Graves. He was a graduate of Averill Park High School where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. During that same time, Matt also helped with his family’s business, the Lakeview Hotel. Following high school he went on to attend and graduate from Ohio State University where, as a walk on, he played collegiate baseball. He remained a loyal alumnus, always anticipating their games versus their rivals each year.

A well known area sports columnist and handicapper, Matt had covered horse racing for 43 years, and began his career during Secretariat’s juvenile season in 1972. He was a public handicapper for more than 40 years and was a member of the staff of both the Record and Times Union until 2012. A four-time overall handicapping champion at Saratoga, Matt was also a two-time winner of the Red Smith Award for coverage of the Kentucky Derby and a former Associated Press national top 10 columnist. He was the leading handicapper for the Times Union the final six years of his career before retiring. Following his retirement, Matt continued on as a free-lance writer covering RPI Hockey, writing featured articles for the Times Union during the racing season at Saratoga, covering the Preakness yearly, and as a handicapper for Capital OTB. During his last years of work, despite battling a serious illness, Matt continued on with his usual dedication and a smile, so that most people were unaware of his illness.

Matt’s family would like to express a special and heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of St. Peter’s Hospital and the Hospice Inn for the dedicated and loving care given to Matt during his stay. We will forever be grateful.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Debra Beauchea Hallman; daughter, Jennifer Graves (David Quigg); grandsons, Westerly and Nathaniel; granddaughter, Macy; stepson, Ryon Hallman and his wife Valerie; brothers, John and Timothy Graves; sister, Patricia Jones; sister and brother-in-law Kathy & Bill Curley; nephews, John Graves, Jr., Michael Graves, Paul Graves, Ryne and Alec Jones; loved nieces Kirsten McGarry and Lauren Graves; mother-in-law Mary Lou Beauchea. Matt also leaves behind treasured great nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and dear friends. Anyone who knew Matt knows he was quick with a story, a laugh, a Roy Orbison song if “asked” and a tip for the next race. Matt was a character for sure, but possessed more character than most could hope for. He was simple man with regard to material things whose only real desire was to be remembered, and remember him we will, always.

A funeral Mass for Matt will be celebrated on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11 am in St. Henry’s Church, Averill Park where the Reverend Thomas Holmes, pastor, will officiate. His interment will be private. Friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass and may also visit with Matt’s family on Thursday, from 4 until 8 pm, at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway in Watervliet.