Albert William Pray

Albert W. Pray, age 82, of Haycock, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 15, 2025 at home in Haycock, Pennsylvania.

He was the son of Jeanne Pfeiffer, grandson of Al Smith and Mae Agusta Smith. He is survived by his daughter Raven Pray Bishop, son-in-law Robert Bishop and grandson Wren Bishop; his daughter Megan Pray and partner Michael Kedl; brother Frank Pray; wife Sandra Pray, step-children Charles & Tyler Cummings and Ashley Sheehan; step-grandchildren Mason Wenhold, Presley Sheehan, and Brooks Sheehan; and many other family members and dear friends.

He was a superlatively talented stone mason, known for his meticulous stone walls and chimneys and restoration of historic stone homes-first in upstate New York, and later throughout Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region. A master craftsman, he could build just about anything and took pride in working with his hands, applying his artful eye and a deep respect for the materials he worked with and the spaces he worked within.

An enduring hallmark of his work was the Raven's Nest Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop built before the Revolutionary War in Haycock, Pennsylvania; a place he proudly called home and carefully restored, serving as its devoted steward for nearly forty years.

Albert founded the Raven's Nest with Rena Bivens of Abilene, Texas, in the late 1980s. There they raised their daughters, Raven and Megan, in a place alive with music and community; a blues hotspot marked by jam sessions, eccentric gardens, and Albert's familiar presence, where he could be found tinkering in one of his sheds or laughing among friends and patrons.

Albert later married Sandra Cole Pray of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, with whom he shared love, friendship, and steadfast companionship until his final moments. Together they enjoyed tending the gardens, fishing and spending time with friends as well as enjoying laughter over the antics their dogs and other pets.

Beyond his prodigious talent as a stone mason and his tireless dedication to the community and musicians of the Raven's Nest, he is best remembered for his remarkable ability to connect with people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything and surrounded himself with an eclectic circle of artisans and musicians, neighbors and tradespeople, thinkers and storytellers. He took genuine delight in hearing their stories, learning from their experiences, and sharing his own, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, when family and friends can gather to remember and honor him.