Abram J. Gray

ABRAM J. GRAY

AKWESASNE – Abram J. Gray, 91, Turtle Clan, of Tarbell Road, peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday evening, October 1, 2025, with the love of his family at his side.

Abram was born at the family homestead on Cook Road on September 25, 1934, the son of the late Jonas and Mary (Cooke) Gray and attended Mohawk Schools. On September 27, 1958, he married Gertrude Adams at St. Regis Catholic Church. She predeceased him on April 10, 1997.

Abram was a proud ironworker, having assisted in the construction of many buildings in the New York City and Boston. After his retirement, he enjoyed participating at the Ironworker's competitions at the casino. Abram was also a proud and nationally recognized Basketmaker and will fondly be remembered and known for his splint flowers. In his younger years, he was also a farmer. Abe was a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group, St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, and a lifelong communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing pool, golfing, and shuffleboard. Abe enjoyed playing guitar to "old country music", visiting restaurants, and will fondly be remembered for his laughter. He loved every moment he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and great-great grandson and the laughter they shared together.

Abram is survived by his children and their spouses, Leona (Terry) Francis, Phillip Gray, Mike (Ann Marie) Gray, Norman Gray, Lisa Gray, and Virginia "Ginger" Gray, all of Akwesasne; his grandchildren, Jared, Jay, Sunnie, Phil Jr., Michael Jr., Kyla, Morgan, Kyle, Norman Jr., Sea, Jason, Stacy, Jonas, Valerie, Tia, Mindy, Tina, Jack, and Brandy; chosen grandson Anthony; 38 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; his sisters, Dorothy Shatlaw and Marie (Robert) Seymour; his brothers, Louie and Edward Gray; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Along with his parents and wife, Abe was predeceased by his children Abram L. Gray, Jr. on January 4, 2012, and Lori Gray on September 2, 2023; his granddaughter, Ashley Ann Gray on June 10, 2015; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Gray on October 27, 2022; and his siblings George Gray, Ruth Dora and Margaret Cullen

Friends may call at the home of his son, Phillip, 440 St. Regis Road, St. Regis beginning Monday at 3PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2PM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores, celebrating. Burial will follow in Kateri Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.