Published in the April 1, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — George W. Bray, 82, a longtime Wakefield resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
George was born in Winthrop on March 21, 1934, one of three sons of the late George and Mary (Scoppetuolo) Bray. He was raised in East Boston and educated in local parochial schools. In 1973, he married Iris Rosnov and they settled in Wakefield where they have lived since. Iris is a retired advertising representative for the Lynnfield Villager, North Reading Transcript, Melrose Weekly News and Wakefield Daily Item. For 37 years, Mr. Bray enjoyed his work as a chemical technician for Polaroid Corp.
George Bray was a man with a big heart and deep Catholic faith. A longtime parishioner of St. Florence Church in Wakefield, he made a lifelong concerted effort to help those in need. He was socially conscious, loved helping children and those less fortunate.
George had a love for science and an interest in astronomy that satisfied his curious mind. Using his telescope to expand his knowledge, he enjoyed learning about space and shared this interest with his children and grandchildren. George had a lifelong fascination with war planes that originated during his youth as a young man growing up during World War II.
He loved learning about cars, supporting his favorite teams, the Red Sox, Patriots and Bruins and was an avid candlepin bowler for many years.
Above all else, he loved being with his family and encouraged the growth and development of his grandchildren at every turn. He cheered louder than anybody at his grandchildren’s soccer, basketball and baseball games. George will be lovingly remembered for his tough exterior and his kind, loving and compassionate soul. His love for his family will live on in their hearts.
George was the beloved husband of Iris E. (Rosnov) Bray with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of John C. Bray and his wife Karen of Merrimack, N.H., Richard K. Bray of Wakefield and Regina Mason and her husband Steven of Pittsfield. He was the loving father-in-law of Patti Bray of Nashua, N.H. He was the dear brother of William J. Bray and his wife Cheryl of Lexington and the late Albert F. Bray. He was the cherished grandfather of Andrew, Adam, Chandi, Hannah, Noah, Cara, Johannes, Taylor and Ashley. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of George’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, March 28 and again on Tuesday, March 29 before leaving in procession to St. Florence Church, Wakefield for his funeral Mass. Interment was in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Gifts in memory of George may be made to: Hallmark Health VNA & Hospice, 178 Savin St., Ste. 300, Malden MA 02148. For more info RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
To leave an online condolence, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
