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Paul Bray Obituary
ALBANY - Paul Marshall Bray died peacefully at his home, on September 19, 2025. Paul was born in Albany, N.Y. Paul was predeceased by his parents, David Bray and Pearl Starr Bray.
Following his graduation from Albany High School, Paul received a Bachelor's Degree from Boston University, and a law degree from Columbia Law School. In 1970, he began a 29 year career as a legislative bill drafter for the New York State Assembly in the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, where he was highly respected for his knowledge of environmental urban planning and land law use.
Paul was a proud citizen of the city of Albany, and used his knowledge of urban planning to create valuable assets to the city of Albany, including the Urban Cultural Park, which is a statewide system of visitor centers. He also drafted the Environmental Quality Review Act, which passed in 1975, which ensured any projects in New York would not cause any significant effect on the environment. His work ensured his pride in Albany was shared with visitors and residents for generations to come. Upon retiring from the legislature, he continued his work in Albany as an urban planning consultant.
Paul was a well-known advocate for the city of Albany as the founder of the Albany Roundtable, and had many articles published in the Times Union. Paul was a winner of The Rome Prize, which is a prestigious, annual fellowship, awarded by the American Academy in Rome, to support advanced independent work in the arts and humanities.
Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara; his brother, Arthur; his sister-in-law, Anna; and his nephew, Nathaniel.
Funeral services for Paul will be held on Friday, September 26, at 11 a.m., at Beth Emeth Cemetery, 58 Turner Ln., in Loudonville.
Shiva will be held at 9 Green Meadows Ln., Loudonville, N.Y. 12211, following the funeral, on Friday, until 4 p.m. Shiva will also be held on October 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 159 Brevator St., Albany 12206.
To leave a message of condolence for the family online, please visit LevineMemorialChapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Bray
David Gibson
October 2, 2025
Paul Bray was one of my teachers when it came to imagining and realizing parks, both wild, urban, and cultural. Imagining, envisioning, creating, and managing parks as parks occupied Paul's head and heart for decades. Each park has unique circumstances, and barriers to realizing their potential. Paul's efforts overcame countless barriers, lifting spirits and improving mental, spiritual, and physical health for millions of New Yorkers. For the Adirondack Park - 6 million acres of public and private land - Paul was inclusive, urging residents and visitors of the Adirondacks to break boundaries, reject isolation and enmity, and work together. His vision was infectious. He was equally influential in envisioning and designating urban and cultural parks in NYS. Internationally, Paul was the sparkplug behind a signed (1997) cultural and environmental partnership between New York's Adirondack Park and Italy's Abruzzo National Park.
Susan Oringel
September 25, 2025
Dear Ba and Bray family,
A light has left this world.
My best wishes and deepest condolences, Sue Oringel
Larry Yakubowski
September 25, 2025
Paul was for many years an active member at the Albany Tennis Club at Ridgefield Park. He loved the red clay courts at the ATC. I enjoyed welcoming Paul to the courts regularly and hitting with him.
Herb Starr
September 25, 2025
Paul was the embodiment of a public-spirited citizen. His good works will remain in the capital city's fabric In perpetuity.
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Ray Hull
September 24, 2025
I worked many times over many years with Paul and his LBDC colleagues. He was always thoughtful and held the State's interest in highest regard. My condolences to his family and Godspeed to Paul.
Mike McNulty
September 24, 2025
Barbara and Family: Paul was a brilliant visionary and a good Friend. I am very sorry for your loss.
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