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Philip Albert Gray

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Philip Gray Obituary

Monsignor Philip A. Gray, pastor emeritus of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Scranton, and a resident of Villa Saint Joseph, died on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013.

Monsignor Gray, son of the late Albert and Angela Datto Gray, was born in Carbondale on Oct. 1, 1934. His early education was at Sacred Heart of Mary, Jermyn. He graduated from Scranton Preparatory School and received his B.A. from Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, Md., in 1956, where he continued his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained on June 11, 1960, in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, Pa., by the Most Rev. Jerome D. Hannan, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Monsignor Gray served as assistant pastor at St. Philomena's, Hawley, and St. Mary's Assumption, Jessup. He was chaplain of St. Michael's School for Boys, Hoban Heights, and Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport. In 1970, he was assigned as assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. On March 13, 1975, he was assigned to his first pastorate at St. Maria Goretti Parish, which was then in a temporary chapel at St. Joseph's Oblate Seminary. Monsignor Gray began his pastorate by building the physical church in Laflin and remained there as pastor for 20 years. He was then assigned as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Scranton, where he served 14 years until his retirement and appointment as pastor emeritus on July 15, 2009.

Monsignor Gray was named a Prelate of Honor by His Holiness on July 10, 1990. Along with his pastoral duties, he also served the Diocese of Scranton as a procurator-advocate and then Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal. He was Diocesan Director of the Apostolate to the Hearing Impaired and served on the Diocesan Committee on Ecumenism and Human Affairs and as Dean of the Scranton South Deanery. He served on the Office for Continuing Education advisory board and as chairman of the Diocesan Communications advisory board.

Monsignor Gray is survived by a sister, Anna-Mae Acquisto, Allentown; sister-in-law, Patricia Gray; nieces, Donna Laury, Anita Regan, Angie Marchiarullo and Phyllis Babcock; and nephews, Albert Gray, Rick Stevens and Jeff Stevens.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph A. Gray.

Viewing will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 603 Genet St., Scranton, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 7, with the Rev. Samuel J. Ferretti, Dean, presiding. A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., bishop emeritus of Scranton, on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church. Interment will be in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Church, 624 Madison Ave., Jermyn, PA 18433.

To send online condolences, go to www.neilreganfu neralhome.com.

Published by Scranton Times on Oct. 22, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Philip Gray

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We have such fond memories of Monsignor. Such a loving and kind- hearted priest, We are devastated to learn of his passing. You have a special place in our hearts, Msgr Gray.

Mary and Al Occhiato

October 25, 2013

So very sorry to hear this. Monsignor was a wonderful priest and friend; we will cherish all the special memories of having him in our lives. Rest in Peace Monsignor Gray.

Lana Sapser

October 24, 2013

Bless you and thank you for all that you did for our family. You will live forever in our hearts.

Carol Ann Pilotti

October 23, 2013

Msgr. was a wonderful holy priest. May Jesus and His Blessed Mother welcome him to his eternal home.

Sandra L. Noll

October 23, 2013

Anna-Mae,
Philip was a good friend in South Scranton. Enjoyed the pasta dinners. Mssgr. West's health issues prevent us from being in Scranton.
God Bless,
Father Carr

Father Eugene R. Carr

October 23, 2013

AnnMarie McCarthy

October 23, 2013

I'm so greatful to Msg.Gray for all the wonderful things he did for not only my family but for everyone he knew. I'll always remeber the beautiful masses he had in my home for my mom who couldn't make it to the church when she was ill. He was always there with a wise word and a strong heart to guide our family through tough times. You will be sadly miss. The McCarthy and Bullaro family

AnnMarie Mccarthy

October 23, 2013

The gates of heaven opened wide on Sunday to welcome a devout priest who served the people well and renewed their faith in The Lord.......st Francis of Assisi parish was truly blessed to have you in our lives.....god bless you msgr......you will always be remembered and remain in our hearts....

Judy and joe Gatelli

October 23, 2013

Rest in peace Msgr. You made a difference in many lives. God has a special place in heaven for my friend Msgr Gray.

Frank Massara

October 22, 2013

MR@MRSWalter DIxon

October 22, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

MR@MRS Walter Dixon

October 22, 2013

Thinking of all the wonderful memories of Msg. Gray. I will be always grateful to him for deepening and awakening my faith. I'll never forget the first time I attended mass at St. Maria Goretti's.. what a wonderful priest!

Sandy McGrady

October 22, 2013

To the family of Msgr gray,

We extend our sympathy to your family. He was the finest of priests and his love for our Lord was so evident in the way he served . I remember
One time when I was in a pickle as a young teenager , I had wanted to talk to him . He had plans to go out of town. He postponed his plans for the next day. He said " I was one of his kids and I was important to him. Even after he left St Maria Gorettis , he continued to be a friend and support. We are confident that he is resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Alan Donna Updyke

October 22, 2013

Dear Anna Mae. We were saddened by the passing of this kind and good Priest. we will keep him in our prayers. The Gardner family

October 22, 2013

Dear Anna-Mae and family,I was deeply saddened by the death of Msg Gray.
He was a good pastor and friend to our family. Please accept our Deepest Sympathy. -

Roger & Dawn Pilotti

October 22, 2013

Dear Anna-Mae and family,
I was deeply saddened by the death of your brother Msg Gray. I will always remember the cookout you had in your yard after his first heart attack. He invited our folk group to come and entertain him. That was truly a memorable day for all of us. MSG. Gray was deeply loved by all who knew him. He touched us all in a special way and we will miss him so very much. Please accept our Deepest Sympathy.
Lovingly,

Tom and Rita Wall

October 22, 2013

On behalf of the Oblates of St. Joseph priests of the Pittston area, we offer our prayers for the repose of Msgr. Gray's priestly soul & that he be granted the reward of his labors. We worked with Monsignor in a very personal way as our seminary chapel in Laflin served as a temporary worship site as St. Maria Goretti Church was being built. That church & its faith-filled parishioners will forever be a testament to Monsignor's pastoral love & guidance.

Rev. Paul McDonnell, OSJ

October 22, 2013

To the family of Monsignor Gray
Joe and I are so very sorry for you loss. Joe and I met him when We threw a birthday party for our good friend Donald O'Boyle and then when he passed we really got to get closer to Monsignor He was a great Man and friend
I know that he is safe in the arms of our Lord and along with Donnie they are watching over all their family members and all their friends May he Rest in peace and we will all be together again soon

Rae Yazdzik

October 22, 2013

Rest in peace to a wonderful man.

patricia sheehan

October 22, 2013

Many wishes and prayers for the eternal rest of Monsignor Gray's soul and for comfort and peace for family and freidns.

Wendy Novicenskie

October 22, 2013

Your we're a holy priest .I am sure you are with the Lord.We will remember our times together. may you rest in peace good servant .Biagio and Emma Jean Dente and family. Dentes Catering.

October 22, 2013

Dear Anna-Mae and family,
we want to extend our deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. Let all your good memories sustain you. We remember many happy occasions we enjoyed with Monsignor. We loved entertaining him with our gourmet meals.We considered him not only our pastor but a good friend as well. May he now rest in eternal peace. Cheta and Mario Malvizzi and family, Laflin

October 22, 2013

Anna Mae, family, and friends, we are saddened to hear of Monsignor's passing. He was a kind gentleman; always went out of his way to make people feel welcome and needed in the community. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe and Patti McHugh

October 22, 2013

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