Charles E. Gray, 84

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Charles Edward Gray, 84, of Williamstown died Monday, July 25, 2016, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

He was born in New York City, N.Y., on June 21, 1932, son of Charles Joseph and Helen Rose (Murphy) Gray. He moved to Williamstown in 1941 and attended local schools, including the St. Joseph's High School.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and served as an x-ray technician with a MASH Unit during the Korean War. Following his military service, Charles attended a trade school in New York and became employed at Sprague Electric Co. for 15 years.  While working there, he completed night classes at Westfield State College and received his teaching degree. Charles then became the machine shop teacher at McCann Technical High School, working there until his retirement.

He was a communicant of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church. Charles was devoted to his family and enjoyed bowling, swimming and playing golf. He served as a YMCA youth basketball coach. Charles had a lifelong passion for his retail store, the Mahican Moccasin Shop in Pownal, Vt., which he operated since 1961.

Survivors include his wife, Merle Louise (Andrews) Gray, whom he married on August 16, 1958; two daughters, Colleen Aberdale and her husband, James of Belchertown, Mass., and Melissa Richardson and her husband, Frank of Stephentown, N.Y.; two sons, Charles E. Gray II of Estes Park, Colo,m and Mark Gray and his wife Mary of Tampa, Fla.; five grandchildren, Mackenzie, Nathan, Ryan, Carrie and Shane; one sister, Eileen "Betty" Davis of Texas; three brothers, Richard Gray and Stephen Gray of Springfield, Mass., and Patrick Gray of Florida, Mass.; and nieces and nephews.  

A brother, Francis Gray, is deceased.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Charles Gray will be celebrated Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery.

Calling hours are Friday, July 29, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.