Robert Allen GRAY

GRAY, Robert Allen

(October4, 1932 - March 1, 2013) Robert Allen Gray, passed away peacefully Friday, March 1, 2013 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bob married the love of his life Marilyn (nee Kiener) 46 years ago who he met on a blind date, also on March 1st - both were very young widows at the time. Bob was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Long Branch. He attended the University of Alabama and also served in the U.S. Army at Camp Irwin, California, receiving an honorable discharge. Bob was a longtime resident of South Orange, New Jersey and began a life of entrepreneurship at age 25. He was co-owner of Diversified Packaging, a successful packager of consumer beauty products, and also made a career change in the 1980's becoming co-president of J.B. Hirsch, a producer of original Art Deco bronze lighting fixtures and gift items. He was always hard at work and proud to share the fruits of his labors with family and friends. Throughout his life, Bob was an avid reader, ardent tennis player and enthusiastic golfer. At Breakers West, Bob was known for his intelligence, wit and charm and was friendly and generously attentive to all he came in contact with. He insisted on living life to the fullest with humor, love and honesty and made everyone in his presence feel special and appreciated. He could be seen daily driving around The Breakers community in his golf cart stopping to talk to friends and neighbors and enjoyed 'fishing' for golf balls which he'd give as gifts. He was also known as a brilliant joke teller, lover of dogs and enjoyed European travel. Bob leaves his family and multitude of friends bereft. His beloved wife Marilyn, daughter Vicky Gray-Clark, sons Edward Gray and Barry Schwartz and children through marriage, Bonnie Hurwitz and Kenneth Schwartz, survive him. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Stacey, Johannes, Glennie, Erin, Max, Dante and Veronica and two darling great-granddaughters, Emerson and Eloise and cherished mother-in-law, Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Laurie Kramer and Linda Gray-Popvic. When his spirit departed his earthly body, he was surrounded by his loving wife Marilyn and daughter Vicky. A celebration of life in his honor will be held in San Jose, California, date to be determined. If you wish to honor Bob's memory with a donation, please consider Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the National Alliance for Mental Illness.

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