John W. Gray

John W. Gray, 83, of Camillus, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Born in the Bronx on Monday, January 11, 1926, he was the son of Dr. Albert Stanley Gray and Mary Hogan Gray. He lived in Auburn, Massachusetts before moving to Camillus in 1959. A Navy veteran of World War II, John served on the USS Ben Franklin. He was employed for over 20 years with General Tire, retiring in 1984. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church and enjoyed gardening, fishing and his family’s cottage at Cape Vincent. John was predeceased by his brother, Albert Gray. Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, the former Mildred Picha; daughters, Jane Williams of San Diego, California and Joan Montana of Dallas, Texas; sons, John P. and James R., both of Escondido, California and Michael J. of Aurora, Colorado; sister, Dr. Mary L. Gray of Peabody, Massachusetts; and 11 grandchildren. A special thanks to the medical staff of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for their loving care. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2009 at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. John will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Church Food Pantry, 5600 West Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031. Please share any memories and/or condolences at www.BuranichFuneralHome.com