Obituary of Gerald Duane Bray

CARTHAGE - Gerald Duane “Jerry” Bray, 76, of Emjay Way, died peacefully early Friday morning, January 21, 2022 at his home, under the care of his wife, Paulette. He was born on November 27, 1945 in Watertown, New York to the late Basil Lehmon & Arloine Louise “Peg” (Patterson) Bray. Gerald attended Carthage High School and later went on to serve in the United States Air Force from February 14, 1963 to February 14, 1969. Jerry was employed for D.L. Reed and spent most of his career as a truck driver and diesel mechanic in Carthage. His most recent job before retirement was working as a lumber mill delivery driver for Yosemite Builders in Merced, California. He volunteered at “Elizabethton Senior Citizens” since 2009. He was a member of the Carthage Conservative Mennonite Church as well as a lifelong member of the Bassett-Baxter American Legion Post #789. He was also a foster parent for over twenty years. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, boating, and volunteering at the S.C. with some of his friends. He was most known for his caring nature and always helping those in need. He married Paulette Doris Perfetto on March 19, 1982. Jerry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Paulette, Carthage; several children, Mary Lou Widrick, Lowville; Gerald “Jerry” D. Bray Jr., Lowville; Martin L. Bray, SC; Christopher Bray, TN; Amanda Bray, TN; Anthony Bray, TN; and Andrew Walters, TN; and several siblings, Marlene Cutler, SC; Bernard Bray, SC; and Richard Smith, TN; along with 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Jerry is predeceased by several siblings, Marge Shepard, Edna Burda, Marilyn Matice, Bonnie Hardy, Glenn Smith, William Smith, and Barbara Bray. A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at the Carthage Mennonite Church, 20295 County Rd. 45, Carthage, NY 13619 with the Rev. Dave Haldeman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. A graveside service with burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery, Natural Bridge. Arrangements are entrusted to the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. located at 500 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences in Jerry's memory can be made to www.lundyfuneralhome.com