Gray, Arthur R.
OAKHAM - Arthur R. Gray, 78 of Oakham, MA died peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2023.
His carpe diem spirit along with his sense of charity helped to define a life well lived.
He lived his life every day. He took chances, had fun, worked hard, played hard, laughed, and loved the blended family that he and his wife, Pastor Joanne B. Gray, built together over thirty years. Family was very important to him, and it showed.
In addition to his family, his enduring legacy will be his devotion to helping others. He was always willing to help by donating his time and money to support people in the community. He regularly donated to the food pantry, helped organize fundraising efforts at the Oakham Congregational Church and raised money for disadvantaged community members through an annual golf tournament. His charitable heart and giving nature will be a lasting legacy in his community.
He was born in Oxford, CT on January 9, 1945. He went to Ansonia High School where he was an All-area football player at the football powerhouse as well as serving as the high school's Class President.
Arthur went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut in 1967 with a degree in Biology. He started his career developing vaccines for a pharmaceutical company, but quickly shifted paths and began his 50-year career as a Financial Advisor.
After working with various investment companies, he and his business partner, Richard Turner, opened Schooner Financial Associates in 1992. Arthur loved traveling to visit his clients and help them reach their financial goals.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Joanne B. Gray; his children, Julie G. Banks, Joseph R. Gray(meggan), Melissa Gray-murphy(shawn), Jacquelyn Jones(george), Jerie Phinney(craig), Julie Sleeper, and Janice Sleeper; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, Zachary, Jack, Grace, Jaime, Matthew, Christopher, Megan, Cameron, Liam, Zella, Sabel, Amelia and Hamish.
When not working, Arthur enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling with Joanne. He was always up for a competitive game of badminton, gin, Scrabble, Jenga, Uno, Qwirkle, or Cribbage. He loved to needle fellow players after victories by announcing, "Winner, winner, chicken dinner" and then he was ready to play again.
He is predeceased by his parents, Alice and Joseph Gray.
The family asks that any donations are made to the Oakham Congregational Church of Oakham, MA.
Calling hours will be on Friday, February 10th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 11th at the Oakham Congregational Church, 4 Coldbrook Road, Oakham, MA.
Express condolences at www.milesfuneralhome.com