Search by Name

Search by Name

William Bray Obituary

QUINCY William A. Bray, 74, of Quincy, formerly of Dorchester, entered into rest on July 11, 2008, at home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband, for over 50 years to Carol A. (Megnia) Bray, of Quincy. Loving father of Carol A. Rourke and her husband James of Brookline, Kathryn T. Sheehan and her husband George of Norwell, Maria L. Penwarden and her husband Ray of Rockland, Suzanne M. Bray and David Monteiro of Quincy and the late William A. Bray, Jr. Son of the late James J. Bray and Lucy (McGrath) Bray. Brother of Norma Bray of Braintree, Sr. Louise Bray, S.C.H. of Halifax, Nova Scotia and the late James and Stephen Bray. Awesome Papa to Nicky, Brittany, Alex, Jackie, Riley, Katie and Alisiea "pee wee". Great-grandfather of the late Isabella Maria. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bill graduated with distinction from Roxbury Memorial High School. He served as a military police officer in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then served as a Boston Police Officer for 30 years. He was a member of the Boston Police Officer's Association and the MA Police Association. Bill will always be remembered at Christmas time, to family and friends, as the true Santa Claus. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, 386 Hancock St., N. Quincy Thursday at 10:30 AM. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Bray may be made to Fr. Bill's Place, 38 Broad St., Quincy, MA 02169. Call 1-800-Keohane or see www.Keohane.com for information and online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Patriot Ledger from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bray

Not sure what to say?





Jackie Penwarden

August 1, 2008

This is Jackie. One of the grandchildren of William Bray. Thanks so much to the people who have helped the family through this great loss, and who have written in this guestbook. I certainly appreciate it. Papa was the greatest and will always be my number one. You'll be missed always. I'll be seeing you.

Maureen O'Reilly

July 23, 2008

My deepest sympathy to all at this difficult time. I believe I was related to Mr Bray as my grandfather was Mick Bray of S Boston.
Maureen O'Reilly

Carol Ann & Jim

July 21, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Holly Russell-White

July 20, 2008

Mrs.Bray,Carol and Family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time,
God bless you all

Amy Hackett

July 18, 2008

Dear Bray Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Bray. He was always so sweet. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Amy & Liz

Mike Casey

July 16, 2008

Mr. Bray,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USAF during the Korean War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Lisa Allen

July 16, 2008

Suzanne & Family,
My deepest sympathy to your family.
I met your Dad a few times when I was very young but I always remember one day when he bought your Mom a car as a surprise and he couldn't wait to give it to her .
I recently lost my Mom and I've found this quote to be of comfort " When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure" may you find comfort and peace in your memories.
Sincerely,
Lisa ( Drennan ) Allen

Diane Holbrook

July 15, 2008

Mrs. Bray, Carol, & Family,

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you both and your family. Growing up Mr. Bray was like a second father to me-- and I remember and cherish all the good times spent at your house for dinner and sleepovers.
I know how difficult it is to lose someone you love and I hope you take comfort in knowing Mr. Bray is in heaven amongst the angels.

Love,
Your Friend,
Diane "Russell" Holbrook

Kathy & Kim Sheridan

July 15, 2008

My deepest sympathy to all of your family. Our prays will be with you.

elise hamel

July 15, 2008

My thoughts are with all of you. Papa Bray was always so good to Serena and we will never forget that.
Love
Elise Hamel, Serena Crane

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in William Bray's name

Memorial Events
for William Bray

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Bray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more