Joseph J. Kray

Joseph J. Kray, of Marblehead, died at dawn on November 28th in his home surrounded by his loving family – thus ending his year-long struggle with cancer. Born 65 years ago in Astoria, NY to Joseph Clement and Jean M. Kray, Joseph attended Chaminade High School on a full scholarship and entered the Marianist Order at the age of 16. Upon earning his Bachelors and Masters in Humanities at Dayton University, he returned to Chaminade as a Brother to teach religion from a social justice perspective. He became a civil rights activist and fundraised for scholarships to help integrate his alma mater. After leaving the Order in 1970, he earned a Masters in Art History at Johns Hopkins University, again on a full scholarship. He then moved to Cambridge, MA, and began restoring houses as a carpenter for the Society to Preserve New England Antiquities. With his knowledge of carpentry, architecture, and history, he moved to Marblehead to start his own business in 1978. For the past 30 years, Joseph J. Kray Construction has provided quality construction, design and restoration services to the residents of Marblehead. His customers were assured by his 'small town' guarantee for quality work, and he was respected by his crew of skilled carpenters and faithful bookkeepers for his generosity and fairness. Joe is survived by his wife, Dr. Anne Sturtevant; his son Justin Kray; and his blended family which includes Justin's mom Rosemary White and her husband, Ed White; his step-daughter Amanda Norton; and his step-son Chris Sheridan. He was affectionately called “Papa Joe” by his four grandchildren: Kyla and Wyatt Norton, and Megan and Raelynn Sheridan. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Maryann and Dr. Terrence Criswell; and two nieces, Nicole Gonzales and Heather Lottner.Visiting hours will be held at the Eustis Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead on Thursday, December 3rd from 4-7PM. A memorial service will begin at 6:30PM and a celebration of Joe’s life will follow at the family home. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, please offer donations in his memory to the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA. Burial will be private at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead.