Richard W Gray Obituary

Richard W Gray Obituary

Richard Walter "Dick" Gray, 86, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at home. Dick was born on September 20, 1939, in Schenectady, New York, to Walter Joseph Gray, Jr. and Frances Mary Sennett Gray.


Dick graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady in 1957 and went on to attend Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he became a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. In 1962, he was drafted into the United States Army and reported to Fort Dix, New Jersey for training. While there, he distinguished himself by being named the "Soldier of the Cycle" for his company based on his outstanding performance and leadership.


Following his military service, Dick moved to New York City and began a career in the insurance adjusting industry with Crawford & Company. Over the years, he managed numerous branch offices throughout the Northeast, developing a deep knowledge of the business and earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. In 1980, Dick co-founded Fort Orange Claims Unlimited Services, in Albany, New York. With long hours and determination, he turned one small office into a thriving enterprise with multiple locations. Dick ultimately became Fort Orange’s CEO and president. The company grew to become the largest independent insurance adjusting firm in Upstate New York. In 2007, Dick retired and sold the company, leaving behind an impressive professional legacy.


Beyond his career accomplishments, Dick was a generous supporter of people in need in Upstate New York and Florida. He loved golfing, boating, skiing and traveling all over the world. He cherished time spent with his friends and family. His happiest moments were often at his favorite place, his former home on Lake George, where laughter and good company were never in short supply.


Dick is survived by his daughter, Anne E. Gray (Dr. Bryan C. Kramer) of Denver, Colorado and his son, John Logan Gray of Vero Beach; two nephews, Ian (Leeha) Logan and Aaron (Megan) Logan, both of Ottumwa, Iowa; numerous cousins; and a grandniece and three grandnephews.


A viewing will be held at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady, New York 12304, on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside funeral service at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, New York 12309. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name may be made to: VNA Hospice of Indian River County, Inc., 958 20th Place, 2nd Floor, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. All arrangements are under the care of Daly Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.

Richard Walter "Dick" Gray, 86, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at home. Dick was born on September 20, 1939, in Schenectady, New York, to Walter Joseph Gray, Jr. and Frances Mary Sennett Gray.


Dick graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady in 1957 and went on to attend Parsons Coll

Events

calling hours

Friday, June 12, 2026

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Daly Funeral Home, Inc.

242 McClellan Street Schenectady, NY 12304

burial

Friday, June 12, 2026

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery

2501 Troy-Schenectady Road Niskayuna, NY 12309