Donald S. Gray

Donald S. Gray, 90, of Derry, died on Thursday, February 22, 2018 surrounded by his family at the Bethlen Home, Ligonier, PA. He was born September 12, 1927 in Ashville, PA, a son of the late Bernard J. and Ethel B. (Hanlon) Gray. Prior to retirement Don worked for the US Postal Service as a mailman for 40 years. He was a US Army veteran having served during the Korean War. Don was a member of the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church where he was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and led the Rosary Pilgrimage on Holy Thursday for many years, the St. Joseph and St. Martin Knights of Columbus council 2648, Holy Name Society, Derry Planning Commission, Lions Club of Derry, an original member of the Derry Railroad Days Committee, and a lifelong member of Saint Vincent De Paul Society,. Don was a humble man who was devoted to helping others. In 1983 he established the first St. Vincent De Paul Store and guided the development of nine more stores. He was President of the Greensburg Central Council for many years as well as Executive Secretary for the Greensburg Diocese. Don received The Top Hat Award twice for his ongoing dedication and volunteer work for the poor. He was also named Man of the Year by the Derry Business and Professional Association for his service to the Derry Community. Besides his parents, Don is preceded in death by his wife Virginia M. “Gini” (Werner) Gray, two brothers George, and Daniel Gray , three sisters Genevieve Morgan, Naomi Olmizzi, and Mary Clare and a daughter-in-law Donna J. Paskovitch . Don is survived by his two sons Andrew J. Paskovitch and wife Carol of Latrobe and Patrick D. Gray of Derry; one daughter Tish (Gray) Tomlinson of Derry; one brother Francis B. Gray of CA; one sister Alice Roman; four grandchildren S/SGT Zachary and Dani Paskovitch, Catherine and Carolyn Tomlinson; his beloved dog Winston and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The St. Joseph Altar Rosary Society and the St. Joseph and St. Martin Knights of Columbus Council 2648 will recite the Rosary in the funeral home 1:30PM Sunday February 25, 2018. Family will receive friends for Don’s LIFE CELEBRATION 2-4 and 6-8PM Sunday February 25, 2018 at the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home, Inc. 529 N. Chestnut St. Derry, PA 724-694-8331. Latrobe-Derry Veterans Honor Guard will conduct a Military Service 5:45PM Sunday February 25, 2018 in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00AM Monday February 26, 2018 at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Derry with the Rev Salvatore R. Lamendola as celebrant. Interment will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery, Derry. Online condolences may be made to www.merlinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society in care of the St. Joseph Conference 117 S. Ligonier St. Derry, PA 15627.

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