Dennis L. Gray

Dennis Lynn Gray (69), of New Franklin, OH passed away on December 8, 2025. Born on April 27, 1956 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, he was the son of the late Ruth Gray (born Becket, then married Reeves) and Stan Reeves and stepson of Marlin Gray (also deceased). Dennis graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1974. He started his career as a machinist at Akromold-working his way from apprentice to foreman there-and retired from Pneumatic Scale in 2014.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Rhonda Gray (born Reger).

He is survived by daughters Shannon Pelini (Mike) of Bowling Green, OH and Jennifer Cooke (Jeremy) of New Franklin, OH and nephew Ron Reger of Akron, OH. Dennis was lovingly known as ‘Papaw’ to his two grandsons, Oliver Pelini and Brady Cooke.

Dennis was lovably ornery, principled, and an exceptional father. To Dennis, his greatest accomplishment was raising Shannon and Jennifer to become strong, independent women and mothers. Dennis showed his girls how to innovate and make-due with what they have and how to safely handle firearms, home electrical projects, and idiots. He could win arguments or spark laughter with just a look. Dennis modelled a strong work ethic, which provided financial stability for his family, and his kind soul created a safe space to seek counsel and comfort for his daughters. When extended family was in need, Dennis gave more than just the shirt off of his back; he put a roof over their heads and food on their plates.

Dennis loved dogs, Notre Dame football, cheering on Brady (his homerun hitter), and watching military movies with Oliver and Hallmark movies with his girls (and his dog). But most of all, Dennis will be remembered for his love of the outdoors. As a child he spent summers learning to hunt from his Pappy (Roy) Becket in Somerset, PA. While others fought shopping crowds on Black Fridays, Dennis was gathering camo (his favorite color!) gear and Snickers in preparation for deer hunting season with his long-time best friend, Monark Johnson (surviving). Instead of relaxing, Dennis spent his vacation time volunteering as a field biologist capturing butterflies in California with his daughter, Shannon.

Guided by his Christian faith, Dennis showed no fear: not when hand-fishing for trout got him fistfuls of snakes and beavers, and certainly not when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. To Dennis, Parkinson’s just meant that his drinks would be shaken, not stirred.

Dennis only regretted that he worried too much, but he passed along this last piece of advice: “Keep your eyes on what’s in front of you, because everything else stays behind you.”

Services will be held privately for the family at a later date.

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