Ira Mark Kay

Dr. Ira Mark Kay, 76, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Jack and Frances Kay, he was a cherished only child. Raised with the values of hard work, family, and the Jewish faith, Dr. Kay's early years were marked by studiousness and determination.

Dr. Kay completed his undergraduate studies at Brooklyn College before earning his DDS from Temple University in 1971. At the university, he was a proud member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. With a profound dedication to his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and served as a dentist during the Vietnam War.

While stationed at Fort Benning, the allure of the South's open spaces captivated him, leading him to relocate to Manassas, Virginia in 1973. There, he established a thriving dental practice, touching the lives of over 15,000 patients. It was in Virginia where he met the love of his life, Gayle Alvey Kay of Catharpin. Their journey of over 45 years together was enriched by the joys of parenting their four children, two grandchildren, and countless pets.

A man of diverse talents and relentless curiosity, Dr. Kay was not just a dentist. Throughout his life he was a microbiologist, engineer, entrepreneur, race car driver, show dog owner and handler, architectural designer, photographer, road cyclist, and marathon runner. He also ventured into the world of cinema with a cameo in a 2016 motion picture. In recognition of his myriad achievements, Temple University honored him in 2021 as a distinguished inductee in their Gallery of Success.

Perhaps most remarkable was his innovative spirit. In 1992, merging his endless drive to improve with his hobbies, Dr. Kay constructed the world's first heads-up display gun-sight using dental materials. This invention propelled the success of his company, C-MORE Systems, with its optics being heralded in numerous championships. Earning him the title "Grandfather of Red-Dot Sights," Dr. Kay's inventive journey also led to the design of the M26, the U.S. Army’s first type classified shotgun system.

But beyond his many achievements, Dr. Kay's vibrant energy truly distinguished him. He was a dynamic conversationalist, unafraid to voice his opinions and always ready for a lively debate. Those privileged to have known him will fondly recall his passion for life and the indelible legacy he leaves behind. Dr. Kay's memory will be cherished and his absence deeply felt.

Dr. Kay is survived by his wife Gayle Kay, son Jacob Kay, daughter Rachel Kay Allen and husband Brian Allen, daughter Samantha Kay and husband Dalton Bennett, stepson Greg McDanolds and wife Tanis McDanolds, granddaughter Frances Kay, grandson Jack Allen, and English springer spaniels Zeke and Bugsy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Dr. Kay’s name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/IraKay

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NationalFH-MP.com for the Kay family.