Charles R. Gray

Gray – Charles R., 86, Jackson Township, went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2014 at Windber Hospice. Born on May 31, 1928 in Johnstown, son of Aloysious and Mary (Wyar) Gray. Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary J. (Pfeil) Gray, who was a very loving and caring wife for over 43 years; son, Charles R. Jr.; grandsons, Roy Stiles Jr. and Patrick Stiles; brother, John; sister, Shirley Janakovic; brothers-in-law, John Janakovic and Gene Donati; sister-in-law, Grace Gray and daughter-in-law, Dianna L. Dorchak. He is survived by his loving children, Gregory J., married to the former Esther Espinosa, Las Vegas, NV, Sharon L., wife of Roy H. Stiles, Ebensburg, PA, John R., Jackson Township; grandchildren, Ruth Ann, wife of Joseph Csikos, Johnstown, Mary Jo, wife of Carl Logan, Pittsburgh, John Ralph Gray, Johnstown, David Stiles, married to the former Tawnya Brown, Virginia Beach, VA, Lisa and Tony Gray, both of Las Vegas, NV; great grandchildren, Brandon, Christy, Joseph Jr., Kayleigh, Tyler, and Ashley; brother, Harry, married to the former Margaret Scholly, Rising Sun, MD; sisters, Betty Donati, Windber and Roseann, wife of Paul Kessel, Johnstown ; also survived by loving companion and best friend, Darlene Coutts, Johnstown, and several nieces and nephews. Charles was a 1946 graduate of Johnstown High School. He was a US Marine Corp. Veteran serving during WW II. Charles was employed at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Rod and Wire Division, for 27 years as a crane man. After leaving Bethlehem Steel, he was employed by United Way of the Laurel Highlands, Inc. as AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, for 14 years from 1976 – 1990 at which time he retired. Charles served on numerous boards and agencies in the greater Johnstown area, including Cambria County Board of Public Assistance, where he served as Chairman for 9 years. He was also a member of the Church of the Transfiguration; Johnstown Lions Club; American Legion Post # 561, McConnellsburg , PA and B.P.O.E. Post #175, Johnstown. Charles enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He raised and trained beagles for rabbit hunting for nearly 50 years. Charles not only enjoyed fishing the streams, rivers and lakes of PA, but also fished in WV, OH, NY, DE, FL, AL and Canada. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking and bowling at the Elks. Charles so loved planting and nurturing his garden every year. He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, where Vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Church of the Transfiguration, Fr. Robert C. Hall. Committal will be at Grandview Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Conemaugh Valley Marine Corp. League, Det. #287. The family suggests contributions be directed to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963 in memory of Charles. On line condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.