Robert C. Gray Jr. 89, a long-time resident of Keene and formerly of North Andover, Massachusetts died on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Keene Center Genesis in Keene. He passed peacefully while sleeping after a brief period of declining health.
Robert was born the son of the late Sarah (Wrigley) and Robert C. Gray Sr. on October 9, 1926 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was educated in North Andover, Mass. and graduated from Johnson High School in North Andover, class of 1945. Robert went on in his education later in life and attended the Lowell Textile Institute.
He was a patriotic man. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Air Force. He served as a Military Policeman and was honorably discharged at the rank of PVT.
On September 18, 1948 he exchanged vows with Eileen P. Hay. They were married with family and friends in attendance at St. Patrick’s Church in Lawrence, MA. The Grays’ have been married for sixty-eight years.
Robert worked at Troy Mills in Troy for ten years as a textile chemist before retiring in 1995. Prior, he was employed at the West Swanzey Woollen Mill and Franklin Chemical in a similar role.
When time permitted he could be found watching football and NASCAR. He was very proud of his home. Robert was always working in the yard or fixing things around the house. It was common to find him sitting on the back deck enjoying his surroundings.
Mr. Gray is survived by his wife, Eileen P. Gray of Keene. His children; Kathleen A. White and her husband Gary of Wells, ME. and Robert C. Gray III and his wife Mary of West Swanzey. Three grandchildren; Lindsey White, Jamie Gray and Travis Gray. In addition he leaves cousins, extended family and friends. He is pre-deceased by his sister, Mary Windle who passed in 2015.
In keeping with Robert’s wishes there are no calling hours. Burial will take place later in the family lot with military honors at Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk, Me. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
