Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
William Bray Obituary
BRAY, William J. William J. Bray, 81, of New Britain died on Thursday, (August 25, 2005). He was born in New Britain on July 15, 1924 and was the son of the late Dr. And Mrs. Henry Bray. He was a life long resident of New Britain, and attended local schools. He was a Veteran of World War II, where he served in the Pacific theater as a member of the 20th Air Force Division stationed at a base on the Island of Tinian. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Vermont and returned to New Britain to begin a 38-year career at The Stanley Works. That career began in the Hardware Division. He then participated in the leadership team which created Stanley's Magic-Door Division in the mid-1960's. Serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, he led Magic-Door's expansion throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He served numerous organizations in a volunteer capacity including the Red Cross, United Way, Hospital for Special Care, The Jerome Home and New Britain General Hospital. He was a communicant of St. Maurice Church and a member of Shuttle Meadow Country Club. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Virginia (Bevans) Bray, and a brother and sister-in-law, John and Peggy Bray. He is survived by three sons and a daughter and their spouses, William And Debra Bray of Portland, OR, Kim Bray of Phoenix, AZ, David and Dawn Bray of New Britain, and Betsy Bray and Larry Archambault of Middletown, and a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. George Bray and his wife, Gert. He leaves eight grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Maurice Church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the William and Virginia Bray Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, 74 Vine St., New Britian, CT 06053. New Britain Memorial Sagarino Funeral Home is serving the family. To send a tribute to the family please visit www.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisa Lightfoot
August 30, 2005
Betsy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know your father was a wonderful man because he produced a wonderful daughter in you.
With love,
The Lightfoot Family
Sally & Carl Johnson
August 29, 2005
Dear George, Gert and family,
Our sincere sympathy and gentle thoughts and prayers are with you as you say your final farewells to a kind and gracious gentlemen.
Sincersly,
Carl and Sally Johnson
Tim Saltonstall
August 29, 2005
Dear Betsy, David, Bill,
A beacon of light, your Dad, my Uncle Bill, shone brightly on all he met. The indelible impressions he and his sweet wife, my Aunt Ginny, made on each member of my grateful family and me are his gifts we will always treasure. His was a genuine belly laugh, a joyous disposition. He gave new meaning to the word loyal. He will be missed, but he is with us always. Best to you four in this time. love --- Timmer (His knickname for me).
Ken Griffen
August 29, 2005
Betsy,David,Kim,and Bill, I have lost a dear friend whose warmth and good humor will always stay with me.Kenny
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Patricia Sachonchik
August 29, 2005
Dear Dr. Bray & Family
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl Farmer
August 28, 2005
Betsy, Billy, Kim & David - Your Dad took me under his wing in 1975 when this (very) young, mini-skirt wearing girl walked into his office for a job interview. He hired me on the spot, became a protector, a mentor, but mostly my friend. I have never known a man so devoted to his family, and who was never afraid to show his love for all the people he cared for. I count myself forever fortunate for having known your Dad, and for being allowed into his circle.
Robin and I send you our love and our prayers.
Karen Saltonstall Hasler
August 27, 2005
Uncle Bill, you will be missed so much. I will never forget your wonderful smile,your sense of humor and unending devotion to Aunt Ginny and constant friendship to my father and our family.
Suki Saltonstall Duncan
August 27, 2005
Dear Bill, Kim, David and Betsy -
What heartbreaking news to learn of your Dad's passing... I so admired him for his deep love for your mom and for all of you and for his loyalty and faith. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the privilege to know him and love him. With our prayers, Suki and Dave
Nat and Betsy Saltonstall
August 27, 2005
Bill Bray was the finest friend we have ever had. We share the sense of true loss felt by his immediate family as though we were one of them! May he rest in peace with his wonderful wife forever.
Joel Dworin
August 27, 2005
Kim,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father..Take care my friend
and hope to see you soon.
Nick Velch
August 27, 2005
Skip,
I only got to know your dad on his brief visits to AZ, but I will always remember the dinners and great conversations we had together.
Tom Meskill
August 27, 2005
Mary and I are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. My memories of Bill go back to the trips to the Seminary in the 40's in the old Ford. What a great guy.
Bill Gubas
August 27, 2005
YOU WILL BE,GREATLY, MISSED BY TERRY
AND I. YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND AND ASSOCIATE. WE LOVED YOU AND GINNY. BILL & TERRY GUBAS
Debbie Parys
August 27, 2005
My deepest condolences to the entire Bray family. Bill smiled and brought entertainment to all those around him, no matter what personal crisis he was facing in his life. To the end, he lived his life his way, bringing joy and laughter to all those lucky enough to cross his path. My prayers go out to him and the family that supported him.
Richard Bray
August 27, 2005
Richard and Juliana Bray and Marion Bray (wife of Henry "Doc" Bray)So sorry for your loss. Last saw your Dad when Richard's father passed away in 1996. It was the first time we had ever met Doc's half brothers.
Deb Fisher
August 27, 2005
My sincerest sympathies to the entire Bray family on your loss. My personal memories of your father, some 30 years ago when I went to work at Stanley, play a large role in my history -- and he will remain a part of my heart forever.
His selflessness, compassion, unstoppable spirt -- and boundless love for his family -- is truly an inspiration -- and an goal for all of us to reach for in our own lives.
guy clark
August 27, 2005
Dear Betesy and Larry,
I'm sad to hear of your loss
My thought's are with you .
gina debona
August 27, 2005
i grew up at neptune beach in new london ct. and remeber mr bray. sorry of your loss
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
444 Farmington Ave, New Britain, CT 06053
Make a Donation
in William Bray's name
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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays 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
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
