Francis R. Gray, age 72, of 28720 Miller Station Road, Cambridge Springs, passed away suddenly Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in the Emergency Room of Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, PA. Born on July 17, 1939 in Cambridge Township, Crawford County, PA, Francis was a son of the late Arthur Gray and Audrey Blystone Gray. He married Donna Jean Loveland on November 21, 1987 and she survives.
Francis graduated from Cambridge Springs High School in 1958 and entered the US Navy in 1963. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Returning to Cambridge Springs, Francis began employment with Lord Corporation working for them for 27 years, retiring in 1994 as a foreman.
Francis enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years. He loved his family, both immediate and extended, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Donna, include two daughters – Cindy Newell and her husband, Craig of Cambridge Springs and Bonnie Colvin and her husband, Chris, of Wesleyville; two sons – Francis G. Gray of Erie and Chris Loveland and his wife, Leslie of Cambridge Springs; five grandchildren – Rita Newell Hodak and her husband, Mike of Cambridge Springs; Nick Newell and his wife – Amy of Venango; Drew Loveland; Kennedy Loveland; and Savannah Loveland, all of Cambridge Springs; a sister – Marilyn Gray Hudy, of Girard; a brother – Claire Gray and his wife Rosemary, of Sebring, FL; three great grandchildren – Garrett Hodak; Jayden Newell; and Dakota Newell and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters – Judy Gray and Linda Gray Belfiore.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Clifford Cartwright, pastor of the Cambridge Springs Missionary and Alliance Church will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cambridge Springs Volunteer Fire Dept., 302 Venango Ave., Camb.Spgs.
My condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at your time of loss.
On behalf of my family, I would like to offer our condolences to your family in this time of sadness. To lose a loved one is very hard and it helps to know others are there for you. May he rest in Blessed Peace, and may God Grant you peace and serenity.
I’m sorry for your loss. I knew Francis from school & lived beside his family for a few years; worked with his mother. I thought a lot of all of them. Will keep you in my Prayers. Marilyn
I graduated with Farancis from Cambridge, we played football together. In fact side by side. Great memories. My sincerest condolances to his entire family. May you experience the peace knowing that Francis is in a far better place, God’s blessings to all.
My Dear Family, We are so sorry for our loss. Uncle Francis held a special place in my heart. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sorry we couldn’t be there. With love, Mindy, Larry, David, and Melissa Trick.
Chris & Leslie, We are so sorry for your loss. All of our thoughts and prays are with you. We will keep you in are hearts. All the ohio gang sends there love.
The Gray Family,
Remembering Franny from our younger days and all the fun we all shared. He will be missed.
Marge Moffat