Richard E. Gray

COLUMBIA, NH -- Mr. Richard “Dick” E. Gray, 91, of Columbia, NH, and formerly of Concord, NH, passed away on Friday afteroon, May 21, 2010, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, NH, following a period of declining health. He was born on October 26, 1918, in Franklin, NH, a son Walter Ash Gray and Pansia (Mills) Gray. After attending school in Concord, Richard joined the National Guard and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with honor during World War II. He was proud to be a plank holder of the U.S.S. Yosemite on which he served as a metalsmith in the Pacific theater of the war. After his service, he became a pipefitter and a life-long member of the United Association of Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local 131. Richard was a well-liked, good natured person who loved being at his camp on Lake Francis in Pittsburg, NH, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with close friends and relatives. He and his wife were proprietors and operators of the Moose Grill and the Silver Dollar in Bloomfield, Vt., along with the help of many dependable friends and employess. He was an avid Red Sox fan, and in later years enjoyed playing cribbage with the Colebrook Cribbage Cohorts. He also enjoyed time at the Scrabble board. Family members include his daughters, Marcia Wardwell of Concord, NH, Kathleen Gray of Milford, NH, Roberta Langis and husband, Mark, of Milford; a step-daughter, Carol Perkins of Columbia, NH; his step-son, Owen Martin of Worcester, Mass.; a nephew, Alan Gray of Concord; a niece, Marilyn Jewell of Concord; as well as 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Mr. Gray is preceded in death by his wife Mariam (Owen) Gray, and a step-son, Roland Martin of Colebrook. At his request, there are no calling hours. A graveside service with naval honors will be held at the Colebrook Village Cemetery on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. with The Rev. Rick Boyden officiating. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Gray’s memory may be made to the UCV Home Health, c/o Stephen Brooks, 181 Corliss Lane, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Richard E. Gray

October 26, 1918 - May 21, 2010