Robert A. Bray Lavery Chartrand Alario F.H.
Robert Arthur Bray, 97, Navy veteran of WWII and Korea, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2021 at Fitchburg Health Care.
Mr. Bray was born on January 22, 1924, the son of Dorcina and Della (Payea) Bray and lived most of his life in Fitchburg before moving to Leominster several years ago. He was educated in Fitchburg schools and was a member of the Fitchburg High School class of 1943. During World War II he served in the Navy Armed Guard, escorting convoys in the North Atlantic against German wolf pack submarines, and later served aboard the USS Philippine Sea during the Korean conflict. He retired from the service after ten years as a Photographer first class. He was employed for 26 years at the Decotone Division of Fitchburg Paper Co. He was an all-sports enthusiast, and especially enjoyed watching the Patriots. He loved music and was an avid Bridge player enjoying internet Bridge with world-wide partnerships. He also taught Bridge with his friends at the Fitchburg Senior Center.
He leaves five children: Darlene Townsend (Richard) of Pepperell; Michael Bray (Margaret) and Alan Bray (Judith) of Fitchburg; Thomas Bray (Louise), and Ronald Bray of Leominster. He also leaves 11 grandchildren: Elizabeth Tucker, Scott Bray, Michele Myles, and Ronald Bray all of Fitchburg; Jeremy Bray, Michael Bray, and Julia Chhom of Leominster; Virginia Auffrey of Westminster; Ann Marie McDonald of Athol; Christopher Bray of Zebulon NC, and Jake Bray of Myrtle Beach SC. He also leaves step grandson Tyler Townsend of Pepperell, 26 great grandchildren, 2 great-great granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.
Robert was predeceased by his loving wife of 41 years, Gloria (Izzi). He was also predeceased by his siblings Lucille Stofan, Beatrice Leger, and Raymond Bray.
The family would like to thank the staff of Fitchburg Heath Care and Manor on the Hill for their wonderful care and compassion in his final years.
A funeral Mass for Robert will be held at St. Bernard Parish @ St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic St., Fitchburg, MA on Tuesday October 26 at 10:00 AM followed by a burial with Military Honors at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (stjude.org/donatetoday).
The Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg , MA is directing.
Michael S. Alario – Director – Owner.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Robert A. Bray, please visit our floral store.