Former Enfield Resident, Deacon Passes Away

ENFIELD, CT — Robert “Bob” Edward Gray, an Enfield native and Enrico Fermi High School graduate who went on to serve as an Episcopal deacon in Texas, died Oct. 17 at his home in Brenham, Texas. He was 58.

Gray died surrounded by his wife and daughters after living with biliary cancer for three years, according to an obituary provided to Patch.

He grew up in Enfield, attended St. Adalbert Parochial School and graduated from Fermi in 1986. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Southern Connecticut State University in 1990, serving as a residential dormitory advisor for several years.

Before beginning his career in criminal justice, Gray worked at Troiano gas station and Hallmark Cards in Enfield. His career took him from Hartford to the Smith County Department of Corrections in Tyler, Texas. He moved to Texas 31 years ago and retired in 2015 after 20 years in the field, according to the obituary.

Gray later found a calling in the Episcopal Church. After studying at the Iona Collaborative Seminary in Texas, he was ordained a deacon in June 2022 and served at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Cypress until his death.

“He was deeply rooted in his faith, which was evident in his service with underprivileged youth and adults throughout his life,” his obituary reads.

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Even after moving away, Gray kept ties to his hometown. Visits to Enfield often included gathering with old friends, having a Reuben at Keltic Table and Tap and spending time over coffee with his parents. He also made time for stops at Yankee Candle.

An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he enjoyed cooking, grilling, board games and dancing at family weddings. He was also a devoted “dog dad” to Fenway and Ellie, according to the obituary.

Born Aug. 9, 1968, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Gray was the son of Robert and Caroline Gray.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Linda (Barnes) Gray; daughters Julia Gray of Austin, Texas, and Rebecca Gray of Buda, Texas; his parents; and sisters Lori Polis and her husband, Peter, Wendy Halpin, and Pamela Gaines and her husband, Bill, all of Enfield.

He also leaves nieces and nephews Olivia Fitzgerald, Daniel Halpin, Peter Polis, Mathew Polis, Carolyn Hill and Celina DiNicola, along with their spouses and partners. He had been looking forward to the birth of his first great-nephew, Baby DiNicola.

A celebration of Gray’s life is planned for March 2027. Details will be announced later, according to the obituary.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.