Obituary of Bernard Wray

Bernard "Bernie" Wray, age 82, of Rome, passed away peacefully August 1, 2015, with his family at his side. He was born October 5, 1932, in Yonkers, New York, a son of the late Harry and Helen Ottenburg Wray, and was educated in Yonkers schools, graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Arts Education, and a Master Degree in Special Education. Bernie was united in marriage to the former Joanne E. Leeney on December 16, 1967, in Nanuet, NY. He taught Industrial Arts at the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School for special children in Westchester County, and in the Binghamton City School District, retiring after many years of service. He was a member of St. Paul's Church, Palm Coast Art League, where he formerly served as president, and a member of the Board of Visitors for the American Camping Association. He earned the Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts of America and served in the U.S. Army. He also was active in Kiwanis, in Palm Coast, Florida and at the Lake Delta Kiwanis chapter. Bernie was a dedicated and compassionate teacher and counselor. He was a co-founder and director of the Rock Creek Farm, in Thompson, PA, from 1965 to 1991. The Rock Creek Farm was a summer residential camp dedicated to the counseling and caring of emotionally disturbed children. Bernie is survived by his wife, Joanne; a daughter and son in law, Debra and George Gabriel of Sterling, VA; sons and daughters in law, David Wray of Thompson, PA, Benjamin Wray of NYC, C. Christopher and Melanie Fries of St. Louis, MO, and Michael and Tanna Fries of Westernville; a sister, Helen Wray Levin of NYC; a brother and sister in law, Kurt and Torg Wray of Maine; and grandchildren, Ashley Wray, Carrie, Jessica and Peter Gabriel, Christopher Fries and his spouse, Tina, Elizabeth Lea and her spouse, Ron, and Carol Fries; and great grandchildren, Carter Fries, and Colin and Quentin Lea. He was predeceased by a brother, David Wray. The funeral service will be held Friday, at 5:00 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Friday 4 to 5 PM, prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Delta Kiwanis, P.O. Box 496, Rome, NY 13442.