Richard C. Gray Sr., fondly known as “Dick” or “Papa” to his family and friends, age 87, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 14, 2018.
Dick was born in Lynn, MA on April 29, 1931; he was the dear son of the late Marcella Morrison and Clarence Gray. Dick was raised and educated in Lynn before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard on January 19, 1951; serving the country during the Korean War. Dick served over seas and was part of the Port Security Unit; he received the National Defense Service Medal and was awarded the U. S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. Dick was honorably discharged on January 26, 1954 and returned home to his family.
On October 3, 1954, Dick’s life changed forever when he married the “love of his life” Martha Rooney. Dick and Martha moved to Wilmington where they raised a beautiful family and shared many great times together before her passing in April of 2002. Dick was the ultimate “family man” who showered his children and grandchildren with unconditional love and support throughout their lives. He enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was taking his kids camping, singing by the campfire, swimming or just floating around the family pool with the grandchildren; he treasured every moment with them. Dick and Martha had an “open door” policy at their home and all were made to feel welcome when they entered.
Dick also worked hard to provide for his family; for nearly 40 years he worked at the Raytheon Company in Andover. Dick loved his job and the people he worked with; he made many life-long friends with his co-workers throughout the years.
Dick was known to be an AVID Boston sports fan who closely followed the Red Sox as well as the New England Patriots. He could often be found in front of the television watching a game with family members or friends. Dick also enjoyed a good time; he was always the “life of the party” who enjoyed dancing and belting out a good tune; everyone always had a fun time when they were with Dick.
Dick will be fondly remembered as a “great guy”; he was kind, friendly, generous, loving, fun and had a wonderful sense of humor. Dick would do anything for anyone and would most definitely give you the shirt off his back. Dick was “one of a kind” who will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dick was the beloved husband of the late Martha A. (Rooney) Gray, devoted father of Diane M. Kozak & husband Michael of Center Ossipee, NH, Deborah J. Gray of Burlington, Linda A. Hayes & partner Art Janerico of North Andover, Kenneth P. Gray & wife Rhonda of Dracut, Richard C. Gray, Jr. of Derry, NH, Michael W. Gray of Dracut and the late Robert C. Gray. Loving “Papa” of Robbie, Brett, Brian, Brad, Paul, Ryan, Conor, Celia, Steven, Michael, Shawn, the late Krystal, Nicholas, Holly, Scott, Zachary, Colin, Kevin and great-grandchildren Ella, Andrew, Jack, Camella, Gianna, Tommy, Charlie, Lyla, Patrick, Neiva, Mylee, Lorelei, Matthew, Jaiden, Sloan and Keenan. Cherished son of the late Marcella Morrison and Clarence Gray, dear brother of the late Edith Bimbo. Dick is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Wednesday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 17th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Dick’s memory may be made to the Merrimac Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimac St., Lawrence, MA 01843.
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