Harvey H. Bray

WALLINGFORD - Harvey Hemingway Bray, 97, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, December 10, 2021 at his home with his family by his side. Harvey was born in New Haven, CT on January 9, 1924, a son of the late Dwight and Mildred (Ross) Bray. 

Harvey served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star for courageously volunteering to go behind enemy lines to find food and supplies for his platoon that had been cut off from being able to receive these items while fighting in France. Harvey married his wife, Martha Potts, in 1946. Their love started as a blind date in Nashville, TN, while he was on bereavement leave for the death of his brother, Ross, in action during the war. The story of their parents' courtship still brings much joy to the faces of their children when recounting it. They remained together in Nashville after the war while he obtained his degree from Vanderbilt, and then moved to Wallingford, CT upon his graduation.

He was an active member of the town of Wallingford, including the First Congregational Church of Wallingford and a volunteer for the American Red Cross for over 25 years. In fact, he was even named "Citizen of the Year" by the Wallingford Rotary Club in 1991! He was an essential part of the town's 'Holiday for Giving' food and toy drive for families in need over the holiday season - at one point helping over 100 families, alongside the helpful hands of local students. He also wanted to make sure people knew he was an avid tennis player, greatly enjoying the game with friends and family (and often winning!). 

Harvey is survived by his three daughters, Margaret Bray of Rocky Hill, Pamela Bray of Concord, NH, and Patricia Bray (McGarry) with son-in-law David McGarry of Colchester, VT. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Kristen (McGarry) Gulner of Stoneham, MA, and Lindsey McGarry of Hamden, CT; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by all three of his brothers; Ross, Charles, and George Bray, along with his wife and eternal sweetheart, Martha Bray. 

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 beginning at 12:00 PM at In Memoriam Cemetery, 18 Maplewood Avenue, Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Red Cross in honor of Harvey's volunteer work for them. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with the arrangements. For directions or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.

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