Douglas E. Gray

Douglas E. Gray, 75, of Princetown passed away on Monday October 14, 2024 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Niskayuna, he was the son of the late Evan and Margaret (Gregg) Gray.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees in Vietnam. Doug later was employed as a heavy machine operator with Clifford H. Quay and Sons, then retired from W.M. Larned and Sons in Rotterdam. He was a member of Upstate NY Operating Engineers local 158.

Doug was active in his community as a councilman for the Town of Princetown. He is also a member of the VFW post 1895, Rotterdam Eagles 3610 and the Rotterdam Elks.

Besides his parents, Doug is predeceased by his wife Ann-Marie (Gorski) Gray.

Doug is survived by his son Scott E. Gray (Bonnie), one sister Diane Bishop and two grandchildren Evan S. Gray and Connor D. Gray. He also has three nieces and two nephews, as well as many beloved friends.

Doug enjoyed racing and would be found in his garage on weekends watching NASCAR and rooting for Jimmy Johnson.  He also loved going to the races at Fonda Speedway and followed his neighbor and friend Jack Johnson for years. Doug took pride in his farm where he most recently raised 31 beef cows, a belgian draft horse "Missy", chickens including his pet “Princess” a lone duck named “Duck”, “GIGI” his dog, and most notably “Missy Mae” his beloved stray cat.  Doug was an avid hunter and was a member of the Ridgerunners Hunting Club in Arietta NY.  This toothpick-wielding farmer would tell everyone “he was just a dumb farm boy” but everyone knew that was far from the truth because many relied on him for his guidance, his construction knowledge and tough love.  He was a master with a backhoe.  He won numerous competitions for backhoe machine competence. Douglas was surrounded by many friends and family members over the years that will truly miss his infectious smile and personality.

Funeral Services for Doug will be on Friday October 18, 2024 at 12 noon at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. A visitation will be held from 10-12 prior to the service. Interment in St. Cyril Cemetery in Rotterdam.

Contributions can be made in honor of his grandson Evan Gray in lieu of flowers to: FRAXA Research Foundation 10 Prince Place #203 Newburyport, MA 01950. Please click this link: https://www.fraxa.org/donate/ to donate online and be sure to include that the contribution was made in Douglas E. Gray's name.