Hal’s wonderful story began in Framingham Massachusetts on June 24th, 1932 when he was born to the late Beatrice and Leland Gray. After growing up with his parents and four siblings, Leland, Bob, Bette and Evelyn, he attended Framingham High School where he was president of the Projector’s Club and captain of the golf team, graduating in June 1950. In the fall of 1950 Hal attended Nichols College where he spent one year going on to attend Babson College in the fall of 1951, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He majored in the study of Distribution. Hal was business manager of Visual Arts, a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a national professional business administration fraternity; and was captain of the Babson College golf team. The game of golf continued to be dear to Hal’s heart throughout his life. One of Hal’s most treasured memories is the hole in one he had at the Framingham Country Club while golfing with his father in 1955.
On February 11, 1956 Hal married Susan Conger. They had three children, Cindy, Bill, and Joanne and resided in Pittsford, N.Y.
Hal enlisted in the Army Reserves in May of 1956 and served until November 1959, while also working and becoming a very successful sales representative for a variety of flooring textile businesses.
After Susan’s passing, Hal lovingly raised three children as a single parent in Wayne, PA. While he was devoted to his children he remained passionate about golf, tennis, and skiing. An avid traveler, Hal found great wonder visiting places around the world. Hal was president and major trip leader for the Main Line Ski Club for many years, travelling to all of the major ski resorts at home and abroad.
One of Hal’s favorite destinations was Cape Cod Massachusetts where he spent summers while he was young at his parents “cottage” and eventually shared the special town of Pocasset with his own children where they all enjoyed eating lobster and digging for clams with the extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He still at age 90 would tell anyone who asked that his favorite food was lobster.
In Hal’s later years, he made a home in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife Jane. They spent 27 memorable years in this beautiful, historical beach town enjoying an active social life with many wonderful friends. Not to mention that is was a gorgeous place for all to visit.
Hal continued to play golf, tennis and in the winter ski with his friends who called themselves the “OFOS”, (old farts on skis). Hal also worked for many years at the World Golf Center in Saint Augustine as a golf ranger, still happily working until the age of 87!
His life eventually brought him back to Pennsylvania where he spent his final years in the company of his treasured children.
A true gentleman, with the most honorable of values, he accepted all for who they were with a kind and gentle spirit. His genuine smile and positive nature was contagious. Hal will be remembered by many wonderful people in many wonderful ways.
Hal is survived by his sister Bette Sibel, his wife Jane Gray, and his three children, Cindy Stoudt, Joanne Gray and William Gray and also by nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held privately at the request of the family on April 22nd at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, Pa.
If so desired, donations to the Framingham Heart Study in Hal’s memory would be a great tribute to him. Hal was an active participant of the study as was his mother who was part of the very first generation of participants when the study began in 1948. There are two methods to donate:
The first is to use the link below, under "Donations" to donate in Harold's memory. This will take the requestor to the giving page where they will be prompted to enter information concerning their donation honoring your Father. Please note that for a BU affiliation you will need to make a selection, if none apply please select friend/other. For memorial donations please select that option towards the bottom of the page and you will be prompted to enter memorial information. After completing this you will hit “next” to enter in credit card information.
The second, is to mail a check to the Framingham Heart Study at 73 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Suite 2, Framingham MA 01702. Please request that the check include a note indicating that it is to honor your father and if there is someone specific they would like us to notify of your kindness and generosity, to include the name and address.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AllevaFuneralHome.com for the Gray family.
DONATIONS
Framingham Heart Study Donation73 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
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