John 'Jack' Patrick Bray

STANFORDVILLE — John "Jack" Patrick Bray, 93, died July 14, 2008, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Catherine E. (Kelly) Bray. They were married on Jan. 30, 1937, at the Church of the Holy Rosary in the Bronx. She predeceased him on Dec. 13, 2002.

He was born on Sept. 7, 1914, in Bronx, N.Y., the son of the late Sophie (Morrissey) and Norman Bray.

Mr. Bray was the manager and one of the original employees hired by Associated Hospital Services of New York, which is now known as Blue Cross. He worked there for 40 years.

After retiring, he relocated to Stanfordville, and then worked at the State Police Troop K Headquarters, in building services. The last job that Mr. Bray held was caretaker, for more than 20 years, for the Sisters of Charity St. Mary’s Residence in Stanfordville.

Mr. Bray was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Bangall, a member and past president of the Forever Young Club, and a member of the Stanford Recreation Commission for many years.

For the past two years, Mr. Bray resided at the Manor at Woodside, in Poughkeepsie, where he enjoyed the companionship of many of the staff and residents there. He enjoyed sharing stories of his beloved "Kit" and listening to the music of Frank Sinatra.

He is survived by his three sons, and daughters-in-law, John J. and Anna Bray of Stanfordville, Dennis R. and Nancy Bray of Bethlehem, Pa., and Robert W. and Patricia Bray of Poughkeepsie; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Jeffrey Spiers of Stanfordville; 12 grandchildren, Christine Bray Wittreich, Kevin, Jodi, Kelly and Matthew Bray, Kimberly Bray Henry, Shannon Bray Hanaburgh, Douglas Bray, Jennifer Lamping, Sean Bray and Gregory and A.J. Spiers; seven great-grandchildren, Joey and Shannon Wittreich, Emily and Jason Henry, Richie Lamping, Ella and Cadie Hanaburgh; a sister, Trudy Houlihan of Virginia; and a brother, Thomas Bradbury of Somers, N.Y.

Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 18, from Immaculate Conception Church in Bangall, N.Y., the Rev. John Bida officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bangall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Astor Home for Children, 6339 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572.

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