Robert E. Dray Sr.

Robert E. Dray Sr., 85, of Niles, passed away at 9:12AM Sunday April 19, 2020 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

He was born August 27, 1934 in Warren the son of Lloyd and Mary Rechedy Dray.

Robert was a 1953 graduate of Lakeview High School and a Youngstown State University graduate with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education.

He was a teacher and principal for Howland School District, a principal at three area Christian Schools, taught at Youngstown State University, and taught Adult Basic Education Classes. Bob loved being an educator. He continued substitute teaching to this day.

Robert also sold cars, sold fundraisers to area schools, and owned and operated a local gas station. When Bob wasn’t working one of his great passions was to be out playing golf.

He was a member of North-Mar Church in Warren, founding member along with the pastor of First Baptist Church in Howland, and a born again Christian.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Carol Gross Dray whom he married June 6 1958, two sons; Mark Dray and his wife Lisa of Boardman and Christopher Dray and his wife Colleen of Aurora, two daughters;Debbie Forslund and her husband John of Warren and Lisa Boano and husband Michael of Poland, a brother William Dray and his wife Linda of Niles, two sisters; Joanne Johnson and her husband Richard of Dayton and Sandra Lang of Warren, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son Bobby Dray Jr. and his parents.

Due to the current health crises private family services will be held and Robert will be laid to rest at Hillside Cortland Cemetery.

Material contributions can be sent to The American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 or The American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends may visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to Robert’s family. 

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