Robert "Bob" Gray's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Gray, 82, of Canastota, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Crouse Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born April 23, 1940, in Ephratah, NY to the late Clarence and Anna Mae (Smith) Gray. Bob’s mother passed away when he was 7 years old and he was raised in Gloversville, NY by his late Aunt and Uncle, Delilah and Burt Clemons. He graduated from Gloversville High School and the University of Georgia. Early in his career he was a chemist at Knight Oil in Johnstown, NY, where he became one of the main developers of “Spray Nine.” After leaving Knight Oil he worked for Korkay Inc. in Broadalbin, NY for many years before moving to Canastota, NY with his family, where he co-founded Reliable Products in Oneida, NY. Bob was an inventor at heart and before his retirement he devoted over 30 years as the Vice President and Chief Chemist at Reliable where he developed the entire line of chemical specialties there.
Bob was an avid gardener and loved his vegetable garden. He had an inquisitive mind and was always experimenting and tinkering with things. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs Football fan and could be found most Saturdays watching UGA games. He also loved dogs and had many dogs over the years including Nancy, Spot, Spike and Shelby. He spent summers at his camp in Caroga Lake, NY and enjoyed playing horseshoes, sitting around the campfire, tinkering around the camp, splitting wood, being outdoors and socializing with family and friends. Most of all, Bob loved spending time with his sidekick “Pearl” and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley J. (Oathout) Gray; his children, Robert (Debbie) Gray of Baldwinsville, Michael (Michelle) Gray of Jamesville, Hillary Heintz of Baldwinsville,, and Jeffrey Gray of Baldwinsville,; grandchildren, Kayla (Dan) Fleming, McKinley Gray, Garth Gray, Gavin Gray, and Garrett Gray; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Daniel, and Joseph; siblings, his twin sister, Roberta Mead of Herkimer , and Alma Hoyer; of St Johnsville along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Along with his parents and Aunt and Uncle that raised him, Bob was predeceased by his sister Louise and brothers Kenneth, Leonard, Clarence, and George.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or services. A private funeral service with family is entrusted to THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME. Bob will be laid to rest near his camp in Caroga Lake, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s name may be made to The UGA Foundation - Food Science and Technology Fund at The University of Georgia. Gifts in memory of Bob Gray can be made the UGA Food Science and Technology fund online (https://t.uga.edu/66G) or by check (make checks payable to UGA Foundation and include IMO Bob Gray/Food Sci & Tech Fund in the memo). Checks can be mailed to UGA Foundation, 1 Press Place, Athens, GA 30602.
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