Richard W. Gray, 85 of Timothy Drive, surrounded by his loving family
passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Lakes Region General
Hospital.
Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol, whom he supported
greatly, a son, Richard Gray and his best friend MaryJeanne, two
daughters, Karen French and her husband Gary, and Patricia Forster and
her husband Ronald; four grandchildren, Sarah, Christopher, William and
Emma; 3 great-grandchildren, Phoebe, Melodie and Teagan; and many nieces
and nephews. In addition to his parents Richard is predeceased by a
brother, William G. Gray II, and a sister, Mildred Gray.
Richard was born June 30, 1932 in Floral Park, NY. The son of the late
William and Katherine (Wiltsey) Gray. His family moved to Massapequa,
NY in his childhood, where he developed a passion for the water. He
achieved the rank of Star Scout in 1948, was inducted into the National
Honor Society in 1949, and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1950.
He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Hofstra College in 1954, earned
his Bachelor in Theology from Berkeley Divinity School in 1957 and was
ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1957. He practiced his ministry in
Brookhaven, NY, and Bloomfield, CT, from 1957-1984. Upon leaving the
ministry he and Carol moved to New Hampshire where he was able to use
his talent for design, drafting, building and carpentry working for
Tradesman Builders in Laconia. Richard’s strongest passion was in Fire
and Emergency Medical Services. He started his volunteer career with
the Massapequa FD at age 18. He served as Chaplain and Firefighter, and
with the Ambulance Associations, in Brookhaven, NY, and Bloomfield, CT.
In New Hampshire he joined the Winnisquam Fire Department where he was
Chief from 1993-2005, and was a recipient of the 50 Year Service Award
from the American Red Cross for his years of dedicated service in
Emergency Medical Services.
There will be no calling hours.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
For those who wish, the family suggest donations in Richard’s name be
made to the American Red Cross or associations supporting Alzheimer’s
research.