Clyde C. Gray

Clyde Gray Obituary

GRAY, CLYDE C., 87, of 1011 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, and residing at Briarcliff Manor, Johnston, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital on Friday, November 30, 2007.

A lifelong resident of Warwick, he was the owner and operator of the former Rosetone Cleansers, a former manager of the William Thayer Memorial Ice Rink and the Warwick Sewage Treatment Facility, and was a financial planner with Neil Stevens Associates.

He was the husband of Joan M. (Canning) Gray, and the former husband of Rosemary T. Gray.

Clyde was born in Pawtucket on August 20, 1920 to the late Frank L. and Susie B. (Peterson) Gray. He was the brother of the late Lauren Gray, Susie Johansen, Adrian McCurdy,and Sylveria Gray.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Richard P. Gray of Warwick, Bruce E. Gray, and his wife Jae, of Warwick; a daughter, Carol M. Palumbo, and her husband Dean, of Richmond; grandchildren, Jamie Handy of Warwick, Jason Gray of Warwick, Ricky Gray of Phoenix, AZ,; step-children, Phyllis A. Trivisonno, and her husband James, of Warwick, Brian K. Dumaine, and his wife Rachel, of Redondo Beach, CA; step-grandchildren, Jacob Trivisonno, Isabel Dumaine, and Matilda Dumaine; and six great-grandchildren.

Clyde served in World War II for the U.S. Navy Intelligence from 1942-1945 with commendations. He was a coach all of his life, and an 'icon' for youth sports and fitness in the City of Warwick with many achievements, including CYO Man of the Year 1956-1957, Warwick Recreation Department Award 1965, Director and Youth Council Advisor to St. Rita and St. Kevin Church, president and coach for the American Little League, founder and coach of the Oakland Beach Pee Wees and Eagles football 1954-1967, a community action organizer, and recipient of the J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center Sports Award 1971. He was a sports editor for the RI Pilot (Warwick Beacon), and recipient of the Jaycees Award for Outstanding Physical Fitness in the state 1971. Clyde also organized one of the first girls hockey teams in America in 1972. He organized many sports events for the Jimmy Fund through the Warwick Elks.

An avid golfer and skier, he was a member of the R.I.G.A, the Cranston C.C., and was a former president of the Woodland Golf Club. He helped to organize the Warwick Ski Club. Clyde was a member of St. Mary's Church and St. Kevin's Church in Warwick.

As an active volunteer for the community, he helped tutor for adult literacy and was a hospice volunteer.

He will be dearly missed by his family and his many friends.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 5, at 8:45 a.m. from the Peter J. Barrett Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Visiting hours are Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.

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

Published by The Providence Journal on Dec. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Gray

Sponsored by JOE AND DAVID WILLIAMS.

12 Entries

Ricky Gray

December 7, 2007

As Clydes grandson, I didn't get to see Clyde that much when I was young. He was always doing something for someone, or going somewhere and always in a rush. There were times when I didn't like it much because it didn't seem like he had much time for me. The only time I really got to see him was when he would take me to play golf. I never really knew what he did, probably because he wasn't one to "brag" about things. So I really didn't know all the things he was involved with and the people he helped.... When I was about 18 I went to a party where lots of people who knew Clyde were there and it was the first time I had really heard a few stories about things that he had done. I met a guy about my age at the time who was talking to me about how Clyde got him started and that he owed alot to Clyde for changing his life. I was so jealous then, that this stranger knew so much about Clyde and I didn't. The guy asked me later how I knew Clyde and I said "I'm his grandson". Actually I was mad... I felt cheated... How did this guy know so much and I didn't. What I didn't realize was that he helped people that didn't have so much, which doesn't leave lots of extra time. There were many people who I didn't know that talked about how he had helped them get started in sports and helped get equipment for teams and many other things that I am still learning. It seemed (at the time back then) that I wasn't as important. Looking back now, I see why he didn't have time. He was out in the community, he was volunteering for many different things, he was a founder, a leader. Helping people, helping the less fortunate and many other things that he did that I didn't know about... I remember he was just always so busy that I just didn't see him that much. But now,... as the stories are unfolding and I have learned so much more about Clyde, I see why he was so busy and I am proud of him. I wish I knew more about him back then but I knew he always loved me and thought of me but I really never knew how many people and things he influenced and how many people he helped. As I got older and moved to Arizona I really hadn't seen him but I would think about him alot, wishing I was closer to him... Historically, great men who serve the community and are leaders don't have lots of extra time for "everyone"... My Grandfather was one of those great men... As I learn more I no longer feel left out,... I now understand... as Clyde leaves this Earth... I have a deep pride that he did so much. I would like to know more. As I type this with tears, I am thankful to have had a grandfather that made such a difference to so many souls in this world. I am glad he died peacefully. It fills my heart that so many will miss him. I wish I knew more, and I hope people will add more here.

I love you Gramp... Sorry I didn't understand then,.... but I do now. Bye Bye

Dave Creta (Woodland Greens Golf Club)

December 6, 2007

The Woodland Greens Golfing Community was saddedned to hear of the passsing of Mr. Gray. Our deepest condolences to his family on your loss. He will surely be missed!

Grantland Gray

December 4, 2007

Dear Richard, Bruce and Carol,
My heart goes out to you and your families
I just heard from my brother Larry about an hour ago that Clyde had passed away.
I can't tell you how sorry I am that I will not be at the funeral.
There is no way for me to make it there by 8:45 in the morning. (I don't fly anymore).
I'll always have warm memories of Uncle Clyde.

To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die.

John & Heather Mello

December 4, 2007

Bruce and family....may beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Deepest sympathy

FRAMED PEEWEE SHIRT BELONGING TO JOEY WILLIAMS THANKS TO CLYDE GRAY'S COACHING

JOSEPH WILLIAMS

December 3, 2007

I was nine years old in 1954 when I was approached by Clyde Gray on the sandlot at the Oakland Beach Elementary School. We were playing pick-up football. A big gray dry-cleaning truck pulled up, and a big man (Clyde) asked if we wanted to play REAL football, in a stadium, under lights, in uniforms! We said YES and that was the start of the Oakland Beach Peewee team. I have my sweater framed from the 1955 Championship. I lived on Horseneck Road and Clyde lived in a Quonset hut right behind my house. He would invite me and my brother David to come over and box downstairs and hit the punching bag. Clyde was unselfishly "there"
for me growing up. I realize now how challenging it must have been to run a business and also give so much to us kids. I figure he was about 34 years old at the time. Thank you, Clyde. You greatly influenced me and I went on to coach and also have a boxing room in the basement for my three grandsons. Your legacy is being passed on. (Joey Williams in Wilmington, Delaware)

Jamie

December 3, 2007

Gramp,

I will miss you so much! You will always be alive in my memories. I love you, Jamie xoxoxo

Rosemarie Guertin

December 3, 2007

Dear Bruce so very sorry for your loss. I know how close you were to your father. God bless.

Susann Bowen

December 2, 2007

Joan and family: I'm so sorry to learn of Clyde's passing. He will be greatly missed by all, but especially by those who loved him at St. Mary's.

My prayers are with you.

God Bless,

Clyde and Joan, June 1997

December 2, 2007

Brian Dumaine

December 2, 2007

I personally have many good memories of my times with Clyde. In particular I remember when we lived in the apartment in Coventry and he would take me down to the river with my BB gun. He could be incorrigible sometimes, especially when picking out targets for me to shoot at. We'd also throw the football around, as well as the baseball. I was never very good, but he encouraged me on...in his own way. I also remember the fun times we had camping. He'd always have all the old hockey sticks or what ever he needed to gin up shelters when it rained. There are memories of us at the beach, and many others at the condo and ski slopes. He lived a long full life and I am privileged to have known him.

Bud Alves

December 2, 2007

To the Gray Family,
My deepest sympathy to you. I have known Clyde for a long time and remember him as a great guy.
Sincerely.
Bud Alves

Carl Hoyer

December 2, 2007

Joan and family, so sorry to hear of Clyde's passing. I know you will miss him. My prayers are with you all.

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