Harry J. Gray

GRAY, Harry J. Harry J. Gray, an iconic business leader and philanthropist who gave as much of himself as he did of his treasure to the Hartford community, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family at Hartford Hospital on Wednesday, (July 8th, 2009). Born November 18, 1919 in Milledgeville Crossroads, GA., he leaves his loving wife Helen; his daughters from a previous marriage, Pamela Gray and Victoria Gray, and son-in-law, Dennis Shank, all of Palm Beach Gardens, FL., and grandchildren James and Scott Rivette. He is also survived by his step-daughter Janet Lewis and her husband Paul of West Hartford; step-granddaughters, Christina and Caroline Lewis, and his step-son, Robert Savard of Lecanto, FL. He was predeceased by three sisters. Harry came to Hartford in 1971 to assume the Presidency of what was then United Aircraft Corporation. He served as the Chairman and/or Chief Executive Officer of United Aircraft and then United Technologies Corporation from 1972-1986. During his years at UTC Harry proved to be a master strategist by directing its growth from a $2 billion defense company to a $17 billion diversified high technology enterprise. What Harry formed during his tenure remains the foundation of a Corporation that has now grown to nearly $59 billion in annual revenue. Prior to United Technologies (United Aircraft), Harry was the Chief Financial Officer for Litton Industries. Following his departure from UTC, Harry pursued a very active career in private investment and, along with Helen, in philanthropy. After serving a period of years as a General Partner in a large investment fund, he returned to his interest in manufacturing and with Roger Klene, his business associate of 35 years, purchased Mott Corporation of Farmington in 1993. In 2006, 100% of the stock of Mott was sold and transferred to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust for the future benefit of the employees. Long before Harry retired from UTC, he and Helen were demonstrating their enormous concern for healthcare, education, and the arts. Together, they have made what Harry often referred to as "investment contributions" to organizations in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Washington DC. Of special importance are gifts made to Hartford Hospital, the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, Saint Joseph's College, The Bushnell, The Wadsworth Atheneum, The Mark Twain House, the Sea Research Institute at Mystic Aquarium, the National Science Center Foundation, the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, the University of Illinois, The U.S. Army Infantry Museum, and Good Samaritan Hospital (Florida). During his career, Harry received numerous recognitions and honors for a lifetime of service to his community and his country. He was awarded seven honorary doctorate degrees, including one from his alma mater, the University of Illinois, as well as the University of Hartford, Trinity University, and Saint Joseph's College. He was the recipient of the Circle of Honor Award, the highest recognition given by the Medal of Honor Society. He was also the recipient of the Federal Order of Merit, Germany's highest civilian award, the Harry Jack Gray Medal for Distinguished Lifetime Achievement by the University of Hartford, the Illini Achievement Award, the Saint George National Award from the American Cancer Society, the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame, and the Horatio Alger Award of Distinguished Americans. Harry was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a B.S. in 1941 and an M.S. in 1947. His years at the University were important to him but nothing had the lasting impact of his service in the military. He served four and a half years in the Army during World War II, and participated in all five major European battles. He attained the rank of Captain as a member of General Patton's forces and received numerous citations for gallantry in action, including the Silver Star during the Battle of the Bulge. With Harry's passing, we have lost a true American hero. The Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. in Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 85 Retreat Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.