Kenneth Francis Gray

Kenneth Francis Gray, age 95, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts.  Born on April 20, 1927, he was the son of the late Herbert Joseph and Anne Margaret (Smith) Gray.  He was raised in the Hyde Park area of Boston attending Boston Latin School and Hyde Park High School graduating with the Class of 1945.  Following his graduation, Ken enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country in the closing efforts of World War II.  He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving out a one-year enlistment, earning the rank of Private First Class prior to his honorable discharge.  Upon his return home, Ken enrolled in classes at Boston College, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1951.  With his degree in hand, Ken took a teaching position with the Boston Public Schools.

Ken married his beloved wife, Kathleen H. O'Sullivan, on June 27, 1953, in Milton, Massachusetts.  The young couple initially made their home together in Hyde Park, before moving to the small suburban town of Walpole.  Ken continued his career with the school department, taking on the role of vice principal, moving his family to Dedham and Scituate for a short time, eventually making their home in Walpole in 1961. Ken furthered his career taking a position with Gillette in South Boston.  While holding two jobs, Ken still found time to attend Boston State College at night, where he earned his 
Master’s degree.  Ken left his position with the school department to focus on his career at Gillette, where he was named Director of Market Research for the Safety Razor Division.  He retired from Gillette in 1987, after many years of dedicated service to the organization.

Ken enjoyed Friday nights playing cards with his friends and Saturday nights with his wife, Kay, often spending time with their close friends. Fond memories include dinner with the family at Francis Café, the annual Gillette Family Picnic and many holidays shared with friends and family at the Gray family home. On Sunday mornings, Ken volunteered as an usher at Blessed Sacrament Church for many years, greeting everyone with a smile.  Back at home, Ken loved following all Boston sports, never missing a BC Football game if at all possible.   Most of all, he treasured the moments he spent surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Kathleen H. (O'Sullivan) Gray.
Loving father of Lorraine M. Sweeney and her husband, Edward, of Wayland, Kenneth F. Gray Jr. and his wife, Gretchen, of Hollis, New Hampshire, Kevin J. Gray and his wife, Cheryl, of Bellingham, Kathleen A. Brecken and her husband, David, of Franklin, Jeffrey A. Gray and his wife, Jane, of Franklin, Sean M. Gray of Walpole, Daniel D. Gray and his wife, Pauline, of Coppell, Texas, and Matthew J. Gray and his wife, Michelle, of Wrentham.
Cherished grandfather of twenty-four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Brother of Yvonne Hughes of Scituate and predeceased by Norman Gray of Medfield, Patricia (Lady) Gaudet of Charlottetown, PEI, Fr. George Gray of Boston, Herbert Gray of North Attleboro, Dorothy MacGaregill of Milton, Lauretta J Gray of Milton and Patrick Arthur Gray of Norwood.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ken's Life Celebration on Friday, November 25, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ken's name may be made to the Walpole Food Pantry, P.O. Box 43, Walpole, MA 02081.