Karl I. Gray

Karl Irving Gray 67, the loving husband and adored father to his 4 children and a resident of Newburyport. Born on October 9th 1949 in Claremont, NH to the late Russell Orton and Mildred Rena (Magoon) Gray died Thursday March 9th 2017 at the Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He attended Claremont schools and was a graduate of Stevens High School, Class of 1967. Karl was an accomplished athlete in school playing football, basketball, and track, which he held a State record for the 1/4 mile sprint for many years. He continued his education attending Rutgers University before finishing his education graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Business Administration.

Karl started his employment at W. T. Grants in Newburyport where he met his future wife, Phillis Perry. He then went to work for Keiver-Willard Lumber in 1979 rising to the position of Sr. Vice President. After 32 years of employment he retired at the age of 62.

Karl was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge in Newburyport, the Newburyport Elks Lodge #909, the North End Boat Club and Rotary Club of Newburyport. He was also on the Board of Directors for SILBA, the Self Insured Lumber Business Association for several years. He enjoyed his twice yearly trips with his wife to the islands of Sanibel & Captiva, Florida where they would spend many hours exploring the islands for shells. He had a passion for NASCAR, enjoying his season passes with his wife at NH Motor Speedway in Loudon NH. Above all Karl loved spending time with his family and friends, especially at their cottage in Meredith, NH.

Karl is survived by his loving wife Phyllis Gray of Newburyport, children, Michelle Perry and her fiancé Steven Burt of Newburyport, Derek K. Perry and his fiancé Darlene Kuffel of Rowley, Julie Ghostlaw and her husband Derek of Canton and Kurt Gray and his wife Dina of Canton, grandchildren, Sean, Gregory, Cassie, Morgan, Benjamin, Brian, Thomas, Dominic, Gigi, Emelia, Michelle, and Anthony, as well as his great grandaughter, Naala. He also leaves behind his brother Russell O. Gray and his wife Claire of Contoocook, NH and nieces Lori, Karen and Kelly.

Karl’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Beth Isreal Deaconess Hospital for the wonderful care shown to him and his family during his time there.

Family and friends may call on Thursday March 16, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Parking available behind the Funeral Home. His Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday March 17, 2017 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, followed by burial at Belleville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Karl’s name to the American Lung Association Donation Processing Center PO Box 7000 Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001.

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