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NILES -- Robert E. Dray Sr., 85, passed away at 9:12 a.m. Sunday, April 19, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
He was born Aug. 27, 1934, in Warren, the son of Lloyd and Mary Rechedy Dray.
Robert was a 1953 graduate of Lakeview High School and a Youngstown State University graduate with bachelor's and master's degrees in education.
He was a teacher and principal for Howland School District, a principal at three area Christian schools, taught at Youngstown State University and taught Adult Basic Education classes. Bob loved being an educator. He continued substitute teaching to this day.
Robert also sold cars, sold fundraisers to area schools, and owned and operated a local gas station. When Bob wasn't working, one of his great passions was to be out playing golf.
He was a member of North-Mar Church in Warren, founding member, along with the pastor of First Baptist Church in Howland, and a born-again Christian.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Carol Gross Dray, whom he married June 6, 1958; two sons, Mark (Lisa) Dray of Boardman and Christopher (Colleen) Dray of Aurora; two daughters, Debbie (John) Forslund of Warren and Lisa (Michael) Boano of Poland; a brother, William (Linda) Dray of Niles; two sisters, Joanne (Richard) Johnson of Dayton and Sandra Lang of Warren; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Dray Jr., and his parents.
Due to the current health crisis, private family services will be held and Robert will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Bazetta.
Material contributions can be sent to The American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131 or The American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends may visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Robert's family.
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