Richard A. Gray

Richard Allen Gray, 84 passed away peacefully at his home in Northville, Saturday October 7, 2017. Richard was born September 13, 1933 to Clifford and Irene (nee Parsell) Gray, the younger brother of sister, Jean Freeh who passed away in May of this year. He graduated from Northville High School in 1951.   Dick Gray, as friends and family often called him, served proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Dick, who spent his entire life in Northville, returned home to attend both Eastern Michigan University as well as the University of Michigan, where he majored in education. Mr. Gray later went on to study at the renowned Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. where he specialized in learning how to sign and teach the deaf. It was at Eastern Michigan University that Dick met his beautiful wife of 54 years, Nancy Pinkerton; he an Arm of Honor Fraternity member, Nancy a member of Tri-Sigma Sorority.   Richard was forever dedicated to his family, ensuring they never went without both material needs as well as opportunity. His hobbies included woodworking, being a tireless reader and even a stint as a bartender at Genitti’s Restaurant in Northville.  Additionally, Mr. Gray spent more than 20 years volunteering at St. Christine soup kitchen in downtown Detroit.   Richard Gray is survived by his three children, Tyler Gray, Kelly (David) DeMattos, and Gordon Gray; and grandsons, David, Brandon, and Zach DeMattos.   A time of gathering will be held Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a memorial service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  Rev. Douglas Vernon from First United Methodist Church will officiate the service.   Full military honors will be rendered.  He will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.