Robert Fray

Robert Fray, MCPO, US Navy Ret., 82, of Wilson Road, Middletown, RI passed peacefully, Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the home of his daughter in Middletown surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Anne R. Lenahan Fray who preceeded him in 2006. Born in New Haven, CT on January 3, 1927, he was the son of the late Hurlbert C. Fray and Christine M. Holm Petersen. Mr. Fray served in the United States Navy for 26 years retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict and also participated in Operation Castle Bravo. Later, he served as an instructor at the Navy Destroyer School. Bob was a member of the American Legion, FRA, a lifetime member of the Tiverton Rod Gun Club, and was a communicant of St. Lucy Church where he was an active member of its RICI group. Bob is survived by his daughter, Deb Mack and her husband Ric of Middletown, RI; two grandchildren, Angela Manchester and Robert Virgadamo; three great-grandchildren, Hayden Manchester and Brendan and Jaysin Virgadamo; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Known to many as Bumpa, he was loved and respected by all of his grandchildrens friends, and as a true gentleman by all who had the pleasure to know him. He was the father of the late Robert J. Fray, a member of the USMC and a Vietnam War veteran. Calling hours will be Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 4-7 pm in the funeral home.His funeral will be Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 8 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 am in St. Lucy Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840 or to VNS Hospice of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.