Abram L. Gray, Jr.

AKWESASNE – Mr. Abram L. Gray, 44, of 56 Mary Road, unexpectedly passed away early Wednesday morning, January 4, 2012 at Massena Memorial Hospital.

Abram was born June 10, 1967 in Malone, the son of Abram Gray Sr. and the late Gertrude Adams Gray. He attended Salmon River Central School and Northfield-Mount Hermon Prep School in Boston. While a student as Salmon River, he ran cross country track.

After school, he became an ironworker with Local #440. As an ironworker, he worked in New York and New Jersey and was known as one of the best connectors in the trade. Abram was a jack of all trades and was always willing to help anyone. He loved his family and enjoyed running, helping his sisters, gardening, and cutting wood. Abram will be best known for his “hearty” laugh, those that knew him will certainly miss his joyful and hearty laughs.

He is survived by his daughters, Valarie Gray and Tia Boots both of Akwesasne; his loving companion, Laurie Debyah; his father, Abram Gray, Sr; his sisters, Leona and Terry Francis, Lisa Gray, Virginia “Ginger” Gray, and Lori Gray, all of Akwesasne; his brothers, Phillip and Mary Gray, Mike and Ann Marie Gray, and Norman and Margaret Gray, all of Akwesasne; his goddaughter, Mindy Gray and many aunts uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends called at the home of his father, Abram Gray, beginning Friday Jan. 6, 2012 until a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores, celebrating. Burial will be in Kateri Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where condolences may be made online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.