In Memory of

David

P.

Bray

Obituary for David P. Bray

David Pope Bray, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully July 11, 2021 surrounded by family after battling Alzheimer’s Disease and more than a year of Hospice care. Born in Bridgeport March 27, 1941, he made Coventry (or Cuventry as he said) home for the past 50 years.

In addition to JIll (Ronalter), his wife of 43 years, David is survived by his children Karen Bray of Centreville, MD, Maria (Gregory) Sykes of Willimantic and David Jr. of West Suffield and was the best Pop Pop ever to his “bug/monster/Matzah Ball” granddaughter Eleanor (Ella) Sykes. He is also survived by his sister Patricia (John) Peterson of Ohio, brother Henry (Cheryl) of New York and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Maria (Pope) and Henry, sister Elizabeth Benedict and best friend Donald Sewell.

Dave was Manager, Real-Time Test Systems Software before retiring from at Pratt & Whitney after 35 years of employment. David earned his Bachelor's Degree from UCONN and two Masters from RPI. He also could convince you he was an expert on pretty much any other field. He may not have known the answer to your question, but he could answer it with unparalleled confidence.

Dave was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, traveling as far as South Africa, Argentina and Alaska on his many trips. He took great pride in his “trophy room” and his “man cave.” He also kept a huge vegetable garden -- all the while teaching his children the fine art of weeding!

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the number of caretakers who not only took care of Dave’s physical needs but provided immeasurable support to the family.

It is said that Alzheimer’s patients may not remember the people around them but know how those people have made them feel. The family is confident Dave felt unparalleled love and compassion from countless friends and family members until his last breath.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 between 3pm-5pm with a Funeral Home Service at 5pm at the Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Turnpike, Coventry, CT. A graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11am at New Coventry Cemetery in Coventry. Memorial Donations can be made to Lisa and Peter Marshall’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s page in memory of David Bray https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14357&pg=personal&px=17592127. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.