Marblehead Current staff
Peter Gray, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2 after a brief illness. He was 85.
A Marblehead resident, Pete graduated from Marblehead High School in 1955 and Brown University in 1959. Pete played baseball, but hockey was his true passion. He played for Marblehead High School and Brown University and was active in Brown’s hockey program for many years following his graduation.
In addition to his love of sports, Pete loved to work. Refusing to retire or slow down despite his age, he spent over 60 years in the insurance industry, the past 25 years at Arrow Mutual Insurance Company. Pete had a tireless work ethic and determination.
Staying active and involved, Pete was a member of several trade groups and sat on several non-profit and professional boards assisting organizations during his long business career. He was a former member of the Boston Yacht Club, Madison Square Garden Club and The Beach Club in Swampscott.
Pete donated much of his time coaching and mentoring young athletes and quietly assisting organizations philanthropically while shunning the spotlight. A lover of politics and news, he was always ready to discuss current events and the political landscape. He enjoyed holding court with his close friends at the Three Cod Tavern on the weekends.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and godfather, Peter leaves his wife of 60 years, Sue Colley Gray; his children Deborah Gray Shepard (James) and P. Brian Gray (Jennifer) all of Marblehead, five adoring grandchildren, Tyler Shepard & Colby Shepard, Mary (Meg) Gray, Matthew Gray, and Kathryn (Kate) Gray as well as several nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Jeannette Gray of Marblehead and Sarasota, Florida
Funeral services will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete’s memory to Marblehead Youth Hockey, c/o Peter Gray Foundation, PO Box 1426, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945. Arrangements by Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, Massachusetts 01970. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.murphyfuneralhome.com/
Family, friends and colleagues are invited to a remembrance memorial at the Eastern Yacht Club, 47 Foster St., Marblehead on Friday, Mar. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I am very saddened to read about the death of my fellow Boston Yacht Club member and friend, Pete. I have known him for a couple of decades and never saw him without his trademark smile and surrounded with family and friends of which i was privileged to be one. I want his family to know that I care, he was a great guy!!