GUILDERLAND – Jon N. Gray, 68, of Guilderland, died suddenly Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville while vacationing with his family on Great Sacandaga Lake. Jon was born in South Portland, ME, and lived in the Capital District since the early 1970’s. He served in the Air Force in Germany from 1959 – 1963 and was a graduate of SUNY Cobleskill. He served as director of food service for the Sterling Winthrop Research Institute in Rensselaer for many years. He was an owner of the Floral Designs shop in Colonie, and worked for many years in food service management at Alterra, Atria and the Eddy. Following his retirement, he eagerly explored new adventures, joining H&R Block in 2002, rapidly advancing to Senior Tax Advisor. His warmth and generosity earned him literally hundreds of loyal clients.
Jon was a loving husband and incredible father. He thoroughly and completely devoted himself to his family. He spent many wonderful days on his motorboat teaching his daughter to water-ski and wake board. Jon brought great joy entertaining his family and friends with his culinary skills. He loved golf and was an ardent Yankees fan.
Jon is survived by his beloved wife Carol Bianco Gray, and his cherished children Lainie and Bobbie. Other survivors include brothers David Gray of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bruce Hanken (Carol) of Maine; his sisters Betsey Keyes of Texas and Linda Stultz (Al) of Maine. He is also survived by his much loved father-in-law Donald Bianco (Sharon) of Florida, and brothers-in-law John Bianco (Mercedes) of Florida; Don and Chris Bianco of California; along with nine nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 10:00 a.m., and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 4-8 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather at 4:30 pm Sunday in the funeral home for a service of prayer and remembrance. Interment will be in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Disability Services Foundation, 314 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208; Church of Christ the King, 20 Sumter Ave., Albany, NY 12203; or the Food Pantries for the Capital District, 32 Essex Street, Albany, NY 12206. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Mary Blake
Dear Carol: Sending you and your family my condolences and prayers during this difficult time. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and offer my support, love, and energy to you as you might need. I will light a candle for John at Francis Xavier Church across the street from where I am staying and will hold him, you, and your loved ones in my thoughts. With love, Mary
Fran Randolph
Carol: When Ringo Starr sang about getting by with a little help from his friends, I think he was singing about you and John. He was a one-person support group for you–and you for him! It is clear from the way you talked about him that he was an amazing person, a wonderful husband and your soul mate. Please know that I feel your loss and am praying for you and your family.
Grace Gonzalez
I send my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Bianco and her family during this very difficult time.
Wanda Finch
To the Gray Family:
Our hearts are heavy and we send our sincerest condolences to you. Our thoughts are with you and we will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time. Carol, if you need anything, please let us know and we will be there for you and the family.
Wanda Finch and Family
Kristin Slaby
My condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prays. Though we have drifted apart for all these years you are still n my heart.
Love Kristin
Terry McGiver
To Carol and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember Jon with fond memories: his welcoming hospitality, his delicious meals, his sense of humor, his graciousness, his love of Carol, his stimulating conversations, and his acceptance of all!!
So Sincerely,
Terry McGiver
Jill M. True
to my second family, Jon was like a father to me and he will be missed greatly. his wonderful sense of humor and how he could make anyone laugh. in the obituary it said he was very devoted to his family, i totally agree with that, the love he had for carol and his children was incredible beyond belief, and I want to let carol, Lainie and even little Bobby know that I am here for them if they need a shoulder to cry on, a friend to lean on or ANYTHING else. I love u guys and I still consider u guys my second family, let me know if i can help in anyway. im just a phone call away, lainie has my numbers. love u JIll
Shar Chun-Lum
Dear Carol,
My deepest condolences on of the loss of your husband Jon. I know he was not only a wonderful soul mate but a wonderful father to Laninie and Bobbie. I hope the many precious memories that you have as a family will lift and sustain you. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Aloha,
Shar
Dana Anthony
Dear Carol:
My thoughts and love are with you, Lanie and Bobbie at this very painful time. You and your family have always been an inspiration and joy to know.
with love
Dana
Kathryn Alexandrei
Listening to people speak of him, it’s clear how much love there is. I am so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my prayers.
Kathryn
Mark Engelhardt
Carol, I am very sorry to hear about your husband. God bless you and your family, I’ll be in touch, Mark Engelhardt
Karen Frensley
Carol
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Sincerely, Karen Frensley and Oklahoma Transformation staff
Rupert Goetz
Aloha Carol,
You are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Jon’s warmth and inititiave were clear in your life and your every mention of your family.
May you feel strength from your many friends!
Rupert and Anita Goetz
Kaaawa
Daniela Mares
Mrs Gray I am so sorry for the loss of your husband.My sincerest condolonces to you.
Daniela Mares
Evelyn Thomas
Carol I was saddened to learn of the death of your husband. Death is never easy, but the obituary is evident of a man who loved and was loved deeply. God bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you and your loved ones.
Terry Bleier Paul
Dear Carol,
You are in my heart and thoughts. I am so sorry for the loss of Jon to you and your young ones, Lainie and Bobbie. May you find some peace their company in the nature you all love.
Sincerely,
Ed and Terry
Shirley H. from Carelink
Carol, I wish to express to you and your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. Our hearts and souls are with you and yours.
Dawn Smith Pliner
Hi Carol,
My thoughts are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing.
Love to you and the kids.
Dawn
Neal Brown
Carol,
My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family. I will be making a donation to the Center for Disability Services Foundation in Jon’s name.
Neal Brown