Robert Jay Bray

Robert Jay Bray, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at the age of 89, in Leominster, Massachusetts. Born on February 4, 1936, in Onawa, Iowa, to Clifford and Blanche Bray, Robert lived a life brimming with love, dedication, and service.

Robert met the love of his life, Joan Hasenstein, while dancing at The Buttercup, and they were soon united in marriage on April 1, 1967, in Leominster. Their bond flourished over 58 beautiful years, and together they built a family that reflects the values they both cherished. Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Joan, his son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Rebecca, and his beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Kylie. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Karl and Jeannie Hasenstein, along with multiple nieces, a nephew, and many grandnieces and grandnephews who he adored. He was predeceased by his loving sister-in-law Marion (Hasenstein) Watson.

Robert's education began in high school, where he participated in the ROTC program. He furthered his education at Central Michigan College, where he was a proud brother of the XI Chapter of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity, earning a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

In 1958, after completing his studies, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Captain until 1968. A Vietnam veteran, he was honored as Leominster's Veteran of the Year in 2012 and dedicated decades of service as a volunteer for the Leominster VFW, including a stint as President. His commitment to his country was matched only by his dedication to his community, where he was known as a proud veteran and a person of integrity.

Robert's professional journey began humbly as a boy working in the cornfields of Iowa. He worked tirelessly to put himself through college, spending his summers working at Kellogg's and Post cereal factories. After retiring from the military, he transitioned to a long career at Sears and Roebuck, where he worked as a salesman for 20 years. He later took on the rewarding role of driving a MART bus for the elderly population, showcasing his commitment to service and care for his community.

Beyond his professional life, Bob was deeply involved in the Leominster community along with his family and personal passions. He was an avid volleyball player, always rounding up family members to play at gatherings and often joining beach volleyball games with strangers to show off his excellent serve. For over 40 years, he looked forward to hosting Saturday night dinners with the family, followed by hours of card games and trivia. Bob was also the proud founder of Rocky "the handsome lifeguard mannequin" for the Leominster ICE OUT Contest, a testament to his love for the city and fun spirit. He enjoyed traveling and always aimed to give his family new experiences that they would remember for a lifetime. Furthermore, Bob cherished spending time with his grandchildren, sharing his love of blockbuster movies, creating sledding tracks for endless fun, playing silly pranks for a laugh, and simply enjoying their company.

Robert was known for his resilience, intelligence, and ability to persevere. He had a unique ability to make others laugh with his quiet sense of humor, and his dedication to his family was unwavering. He was the epitome of a family man and grandfather-a gentle soul who instilled values of love, hard work, and dedication to those around him.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Benchmark Senior Living, Ascend Hospice and the Veteran Health Administration for their tireless support, guidance, and compassion during Robert's final months. The staff treated him with the utmost respect and dignity that he deserved, ensuring his comfort. From the bottom of our hearts, the family extends a heartfelt thank you.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leominster Veteran Memorial Center, honoring Robert's legacy of service and dedication to his country and community.