John Gerald Gray

Born to William and Catherine (Kennedy) Gray, he was a lifelong resident of New Britain. He was a graduate of New Britain High School where he played football. After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he continued his football career playing for the Marine Corps travel team and was also on the Marine boxing team. John also played semi-pro football for the New York Giants. John attended Cheshire Academy. He became a Supernumerary Officer for the City of New Britain Police, following in the footsteps of his father. He then served for over 26 years as a full time Police Officer for the NBPD. After retiring, he worked as a State Judicial Marshal for the court system for 20 years. John volunteered as a coach for the New Britain PAL Raiders football team, the Fagan Little League and also coached other New Britain PAL baseball and basketball teams. John was an avid sports fan of the Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees. He was also an enthusiastic history and film buff.

In addition to his wife, Jeanne, he will be dearly missed by his children Thomas and his wife, Heather, of Connecticut, Mary and her husband, Michael Green, of New York and his five grandchildren: Colby, Jason, Paige, Gavin and Nora. John also leaves behind his sister Eileen Lunn of Plainville and a brother William Gray and his wife Anne of Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave. New Britain, on Wednesday, July 8, from 4–8 pm. Funeral services will begin on Thursday July 9, at 9:00 am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, South Main Street, New Britain. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations may be made to the New Britain PAL at 10 Chestnut Street, New Britain, CT 06051. To share a memory with the family or send a message, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.