Obituary of Leonard W. Gray

Mr. Leonard W. Gray, 83, of Bauder Road, Fort Plain, New York died Wednesday, June 14, 2017, surrounded by his loving family, at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown. Born on February 2, 1934 in Lassellsville, NY, he was the son of Clarence Gray and Anna Mae Smith Gray. He was a lifetime local area resident. Mr. Gray retired from Beech-Nut in Canajoharie, having worked from 1956-1995, as a carpenter. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1954-1956 with the 86 Engineer's Battalion. He was a reservist for the Army until 1959. Mr. Gray loved music. He played guitar his whole life, learning to play by ear. He played in the band, Sounds of Country, was an avid bowler, and enjoyed riding snowmobiles. On June 10, 1956 in Richfield Springs, NY, Leonard was married to Gloria Hohenshield. Together they celebrated 61 years of marriage. His brothers, Ken, George, Norman; sister, Louise; son-in-law, Harold Spaulding; and grandson-in-law, Chris Kelley predeceased him. Mr. Gray is survived by his wife, Gloria Gray of Fort Plain, NY; daughters, Terry & her husband, Mitch Tarbell of Schenectady, NY; Helen Spaulding of Fort Plain, NY; son, Michael and his wife, Elissa Gray of Port Byron, NY; brothers, Robert Gray, Clarence Gray, Daniel Gray; sisters, Roberta Mead, Alma Hoyer, Beverly Meyers, Marilyn Williams; grandchildren, Malinda Robey, Michele Kelley, Amanda Corlyon, Michael Spaulding; great-grandchildren, Makenzie Kelley, twins Madison Robey and Marcus Robey, Nathaniel Kelley; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Noon at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 10:00-12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Freysbush Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mr. Leonard W. Gray may be made to The South Minden Volunteer Fire Department, 1029 St. Hwy. 163, Fort Plain, NY 13339.