Robert L. Gray

ATHOL - Robert L. Gray, 81, of Athol, died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Athol on October 5, 1927, the son of the late Arthur and the late Gladys (Lawton) Gray. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Sylvia A. (Ward) Gray of Athol; one son, Robert L. Gray, Jr. and his wife Shari of Crystal Lake, Illinois; one daughter, Barbara J. Nault and her husband Andre of East Longmeadow, MA; son-in-law, Doug Rindone of East Longmeadow, MA; and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Cynthia L. Rindone in 2007, and by his brother, Arthur William Gray, Jr. Mr. Gray grew up in Athol and graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1945. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1945-1946 as Seaman Second Class aboard the USS Princeton and the USS Bennington. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Mr. Gray worked for the United States Postal Service in Athol and was appointed Postmaster on September 19, 1981. He retired on January 3, 1986 after forty years of service. He served at President of Branch 375 of the National Association of Postal Supervisors. He was a founder and longtime activist of the Miller's River Watershed Council, and was a voting member of the Athol Conservation Committee from 1965 - 1982. Mr. Gray was a member of the Athol Congregational Church for over 71 years. He served on nearly every committee including serving as the Chairman of the Board of Deacons, the Board of Trustees, served as the moderator for several years, and was a member of Stephen Ministry. He was a member and Chairman of the Athol Finance Committee, a Representative at Athol Town Meetings, and was appointed Town Representative on the State Scenic River Program. He was also the Chairman of the Camping and Activities Committee of the Boy Scouts of America, and a long-time member and Secretary of the Sportsman Pond Association. Mr. Gray was a Past Commander and member of the American Legion Post No. 102 for over sixty years, from whom he received the "Outstanding Civic Achievement" Award. He also received the Athol Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award on May 11, 1976, and a "Certificate of Recognition" from the Athol Board of Selectman in appreciation of his "Invaluable services and cooperation extended" on October 5, 1982. He was a baseball player and umpire in the New England area for over 25 years, receiving an "Outstanding Umpire of the Year" Award. Mr. Gray had several hobbies, including bee keeping, woodcarving, hunting and fishing. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St., Athol. Burial in Silver Lake Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Centennial, CO 80112. $(document).ready(function(){ });