J. Richard Gray

J. Richard "Dick" Gray, 86, of Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 in the Park Village Health Care Center while surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was an insurance agent for over 58 years and joined his father in law, Eugene "Cheese" Hanhart in the operation of the Hanhart Agency in Dover where he currently served as chairman of the board.

Born August 7, 1927 in Dover, he was the son of the late Bill Gray and Sue (McCullough) Gray James. He was also preceded by his stepfather who raised him, Jimmy James along with two brothers, Bill and Bob Gray.

Dick was active in many civic and community organizations. He was the longest active member of the Board of Directors of First Federal Community Bank having served on its board for 38 years. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church at Dover where he was a Past President of the church council. He was a recipient of the Founder's Day Award. He also was a member of the Tuscarawas Masonic Lodge #59, life member of the New Philadelphia Elks lodge, Dover Moose Lodge, Dover Rotary Club, Dover American Legion, and was Past President and longtime member of the Union Country Club where he was honored in its Hall of Fame. He served on the Dover City Planning Commission for several years. When growing up in New Philadelphia, he attended the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

He was a 1945 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a graduate of Ohio University in 1951.

Dick will be sadly missed by his family including his wife of nearly 64 years, Mary Ann (Hanhart) Gray with whom he married May 18, 1950; his daughter and son in law Kay and Mack Bambeck of Dover; three grandchildren, Craig (Glenda) Bambeck, Doug (Faith) Bambeck and Marcie (Charles) Castricone all of Dover; six great grandchildren, Corey and Dylan Bambeck, Grace and Nick Castricone, and Max and Natalie Bambeck; a brother, John (Jeanne) James of New Philadelphia; his brother in law, Dick (Charlotte) Hanhart of New Philadelphia along with nieces and nephews.

Funeral services celebrating Dick's life will be held Saturday, April 19, 2014 beginning at 11:00am in the Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Donald Rice and Dr. William Haggis officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday from 4-8pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Dick may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "Obituaries and Flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Grace Lutheran Church, 216 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or the Rainbow Connection , 119 3rd St. N.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 in Dick's memory.

Dick's family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Park Village Family and Staff for the wonderful care given to Dick and his family.