Ivan Ernest Gray Jr.

Ivan grew up in Malden, MA and was a proud member of the Air Force reserve. He was a huge fan of sports during his teenage years and played football, hockey, and baseball. He was a lifelong New England sports team fan, always watching the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the Boston Bruins.

He dedicated much of his professional life to the telecommunications industry, beginning as a linesman and later advancing into management positions at Verizon. In his later years, he continued his career with Nutmeg Utilities, where he enjoyed visiting the phone company garages and connecting with the crews he came to know so well.

He was a loving and devoted father to his daughters, Sheri DiStefano and Stephanie Ruggiero, and later was more than a stepfather to Richard Silvestri Jr., Michelle Morrill, and Billy Silvestri. His sons-in-law, Louis, Michael, and Joe, and his daughter-in-law, Mandy, also deeply cherished him as a father figure. He was a proud and playful Grampy to all of his grandchildren, Stephen, Emma, Andrew, Cameron, Madison, Finn, Scarlett, and Levi, and even a great grandfather to Camila. He was also the cherished son of the late Ivan Gray and Celia Gray of Malden and the dear brother of Joseph Gray of Southboro.

He shared many happy years with the love of his life, the late Debra O’Brien-Gray, on Duncan Lake in Ossipee, New Hampshire – home to countless treasured family memories. He spent many summers sailing on his catamaran and many winters skiing and snowmobiling with family and friends. He also loved taking rides on his Harley with Debbie. They spent countless hours on the bike. They later retired to Florida where they enjoyed their time together and with many friends. In Florida he became an impressive Bocce player and enjoyed many nights playing tournaments with his friends in the community. Ivan also found his new passion for golf in Florida where he spent many hours on the golf course and became a strong golfer.

Ivan was a loving, gentle man with a steady presence, and always a source of wisdom for his family. He was known for his warmth, great sense of humor, and gift for storytelling that drew everyone in. He was also good with his hands as a talented craftsman, builder, and even a pianist. Ivan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but without a doubt, he is now reunited with Debbie, perhaps playing her “Days of Wine and Roses” on the piano once more.

Services will be private.