GRAY DONALD Remarkable Zayda, devoted father and adoring husband, died on Tuesday at his home in East Norriton, surrounded by the love of family after a life well-lived. He was 92. Born Jan. 6, 1920, in Philadelphia to the late Jack and Anna Gray, Don was one of four siblings. He was predeceased by his brother, Seymour, and is survived by his younger sisters, Lillian Garbus of Philadelphia, and Beatrice Steponate of Chicago, and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Don was raised in Strawberry Mansion, where he attended Gratz High. Don was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Bettyanne Gray (Abramson), with whom he had a storybook romance. He is survived by his son, Ellis Gray (Donna), and two daughters, Heidi Gray-Devita (Angelo), and Debi Gray. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Charles Devita (Heather), Aaron Gray, Jacob Gray, Elizabeth Phillips (Evan), and Mason Gray.
Don's life was defined by love of family, tireless hard work and service to others. A proud Marine, who also served as a cook in the U.S. Army, Don was a familiar sight sporting his red "Once a Marine" baseball cap. Don loved his work dearly. He owned Northeast Sales and Service, a heating and air-conditioning company serving the Philadelphia area for over 50 years, often serving those in need at no charge.
He was an active synagogue member at Adath Tikvah, Shaare Shamayim and Beth Or, volunteering often to support the Jewish community. He was also a member of the SAR Fraternity; he cherished his lifelong friendships with "the guys" for over 70 years. "Zayda" Don, affectionately known as "The Latka Man," loved to make his famous latkes for everyone. He also loved music and singing through his final days. A kind man of few words, he who modeled the values by which he lived: self-sufficiency, industriousness, honesty and generosity.
A Graveside Funeral will be held at Mt. Sharon Cemetery on Thursday, June 17th. at 10 A.M. precisely. Shiva will be observed at the home of Heidi and Angelo Devita.
Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jun. 17, 2021.
Don was raised in Strawberry Mansion, where he attended Gratz High. Don was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Bettyanne Gray (Abramson), with whom he had a storybook romance. He is survived by his son, Ellis Gray (Donna), and two daughters, Heidi Gray-Devita (Angelo), and Debi Gray. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Charles Devita (Heather), Aaron Gray, Jacob Gray, Elizabeth Phillips (Evan), and Mason Gray.
Don's life was defined by love of family, tireless hard work and service to others. A proud Marine, who also served as a cook in the U.S. Army, Don was a familiar sight sporting his red "Once a Marine" baseball cap. Don loved his work dearly. He owned Northeast Sales and Service, a heating and air-conditioning company serving the Philadelphia area for over 50 years, often serving those in need at no charge.
He was an active synagogue member at Adath Tikvah, Shaare Shamayim and Beth Or, volunteering often to support the Jewish community. He was also a member of the SAR Fraternity; he cherished his lifelong friendships with "the guys" for over 70 years. "Zayda" Don, affectionately known as "The Latka Man," loved to make his famous latkes for everyone. He also loved music and singing through his final days. A kind man of few words, he who modeled the values by which he lived: self-sufficiency, industriousness, honesty and generosity.
A Graveside Funeral will be held at Mt. Sharon Cemetery on Thursday, June 17th. at 10 A.M. precisely. Shiva will be observed at the home of Heidi and Angelo Devita.
Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jun. 17, 2021.
GRAY DONALD Remarkable Zayda, devoted father and adoring husband, died on Tuesday at his home in East Norriton, surrounded by the love of family after a life well-lived. He was 92. Born Jan. 6, 1920, in Philadelphia to the late Jack and Anna Gray, Don was one of four siblings. He was predeceased by his brother, Seymour, and is survived by his younger sisters, Lillian Garbus of Philadelphia, and Beatrice Steponate of Chicago, and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Don was raised in Strawberry Mansion, where he attended Gratz High. Don was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Bettyanne Gray (Abramson), with whom he had a storybook romance. He is survived by his son, Ellis Gray (Donna), and two daughters, Heidi Gray-Devita (Angelo), and Debi Gray. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Charles Devita (Heather), Aaron Gray, Jacob Gray, Elizabeth Phillips (Evan), and Mason Gray.
Don's life was defined by love of family, tireless hard work and service to others. A proud Marine, who also served as a cook in the U.S. Army, Don was a familiar sight sporting his red "Once a Marine" baseball cap. Don loved his work dearly. He owned Northeast Sales and Service, a heating and air-conditioning company serving the Philadelphia area for over 50 years, often serving those in need at no charge.
He was an active synagogue member at Adath Tikvah, Shaare Shamayim and Beth Or, volunteering often to support the Jewish community. He was also a member of the SAR Fraternity; he cherished his lifelong friendships with "the guys" for over 70 years. "Zayda" Don, affectionately known as "The Latka Man," loved to make his famous latkes for everyone. He also loved music and singing through his final days. A kind man of few words, he who modeled the values by which he lived: self-sufficiency, industriousness, honesty and generosity.
A Graveside Funeral will be held at Mt. Sharon Cemetery on Thursday, June 17th. at 10 A.M. precisely. Shiva will be observed at the home of Heidi and Angelo Devita.
Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jun. 17, 2021.
Don was raised in Strawberry Mansion, where he attended Gratz High. Don was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Bettyanne Gray (Abramson), with whom he had a storybook romance. He is survived by his son, Ellis Gray (Donna), and two daughters, Heidi Gray-Devita (Angelo), and Debi Gray. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Charles Devita (Heather), Aaron Gray, Jacob Gray, Elizabeth Phillips (Evan), and Mason Gray.
Don's life was defined by love of family, tireless hard work and service to others. A proud Marine, who also served as a cook in the U.S. Army, Don was a familiar sight sporting his red "Once a Marine" baseball cap. Don loved his work dearly. He owned Northeast Sales and Service, a heating and air-conditioning company serving the Philadelphia area for over 50 years, often serving those in need at no charge.
He was an active synagogue member at Adath Tikvah, Shaare Shamayim and Beth Or, volunteering often to support the Jewish community. He was also a member of the SAR Fraternity; he cherished his lifelong friendships with "the guys" for over 70 years. "Zayda" Don, affectionately known as "The Latka Man," loved to make his famous latkes for everyone. He also loved music and singing through his final days. A kind man of few words, he who modeled the values by which he lived: self-sufficiency, industriousness, honesty and generosity.
A Graveside Funeral will be held at Mt. Sharon Cemetery on Thursday, June 17th. at 10 A.M. precisely. Shiva will be observed at the home of Heidi and Angelo Devita.
Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jun. 17, 2021.
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