Gerald "Jerry" Gray June 24, 1933 – October 29, 2025

Gerald "Jerry" Gray, 92, of Zephyrhills, Florida, formerly of Warwick, Rhode Island and Belchertown, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on June 24, 1933, he was the son of the late Harold and Ivy Gray. After graduating high school in Warwick, he worked at a surveying firm before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard in November 1952. He served on active duty until his honorable discharge in 1956. Most of his time in service was spent as a Damage Controlman aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind, an icebreaker that sailed in support of efforts to build what became Thule Air Base in Greenland. It was during this time that he learned welding skills that would become his life's vocation.

Following his military service, Jerry was employed by Pratt & Whitney and later at Tower Iron Works, where he met his future wife, Lydia (Tammelleo). The couple married in 1962 and shared 63 years together. A welder by trade, he advanced to become a manager in the company's welding division. In 1979, they moved to Belchertown, where he continued his career with Quabbin Industries and Harris Milk.

Jerry was initiated into the Masons in R.I. and became a Shriner. He was also an avid car enthusiast who took great pride in restoring classic automobiles, including a 1929 and 1930 Model A and a 1948 Ford. He combined both interests by participating in town parades and events. After moving to Florida in 2008, he had more time for his other interest: golfing with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia; two daughters, Deborah and Michelle and her husband David; two grandsons, Travis and Tyler and his wife Madison; and one great-granddaughter, Willow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry to the National Coast Guard Museum Association (https://cgmuseumassociation.org/museum-overview/).