Edward William Gray Jr.

Edward William Gray, Jr., passed away peacefully on October 30, 2010, surrounded by his loving children. He was 73. Edward was born in New York City, the son of Edward W. Gray and Helen Margaret (King) Gray, and raised in Utica, NY. In 1956, he graduated from Proctor High School and immediately left to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Upon Honorable Discharge, Edward returned home to start and run his own moving business. Like his father before him, he took a job at Remington Arms in Ilion, NY. Edward always believed in the value of hard work, and retired from Remington Arms in 1983. In August 1961, Edward married his sweetheart, Josephine Greco. While their time together was brief, they both fiercely loved their four children. Although separated by distance, our Mother, Josephine prayed unceasingly for our Dad to the Lord. Edward is survived by his children, their spouses and grandchildren: Edward W. Gray III, his wife Denise and their son; Susan and Richard Koslosky, and their two sons; Sandra and John Caster; and Matthew and Jennifer Gray and their children. Edward is also survived by his two brothers: Robert Gray and Paul and Donna Gray. He leaves many nieces and nephews. Edward’s children wish to thank their cousin, Michelle Sharpe, RN, for her love and care of her Uncle Ed, while he struggled at the end. Edward had many friends, as he liked to network with people from everywhere, whether it was riding motorcycles or communicating on CB Radio in the 70’s and 80’s, or more recently, passing time on his computer. He was quick to joke and laugh, could give out a joke as well as take one in return. Edward knew the virtues of hard work and perseverance. He instilled loyalty and respect in those close to him and he instilled these in his children. He would often go out of his way for people, and ask nothing in return. In the last years of his life, our Dad renewed his faith in the Catholic Church, and passed away in God’s mercy and good grace. You were many things to many people, Dad. Our hearts ache from the empty space you left behind. Especially later in our lives, you were a positive force for all of us, as a Father as well as a genuine human being. It is this we will miss most. We wish to thank the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department, and all the Doctors and Nurses of St. Luke’s Hospital, especially the Emergency Room and ICU, who provided him with not only the finest care, but with compassion and dignity till the very end. We will never forget this. Calling hours are Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Forty Main Street, Whitesboro. Funeral services are Thursday, 10:30 a.m. from the funeral home, and 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clayville.