Edward W. Gray

Edward Wilburn Gray, 90, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Jan. 8, 2025, at his Phoenix home at La Siena senior living community. A native Phoenician, he was born Feb. 24, 1934, and attended St. Agnes elementary school, St. Mary’s High School and Arizona State University. He met his wife, MaryAnn, while in high school and they were married at the Franciscan Renewal Center in 1956. Together the couple raised five children while Ed worked for the Department of Economic Security for 31 years as a computer programmer. He took early retirement but was employed by America West Airlines for a stint after that. 

The couple enjoyed traveling throughout Europe but Switzerland was Ed’s favorite destination. He also enjoyed coin collecting, playing tennis with his high school buddies, volunteering at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and dining with his family over a plate of Mexican food. 

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, MaryAnn; sons Chris (Shannon) and Steve (Dana); daughters Mary (David Hone) and Peggy (Dan Sutherland); sister Linda Ann Grinder; brother Duane; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren, and numerous lifelong friends. Ed is predeceased by his eldest daughter, Ginny, who died May 20, 1967, and his sisters Lorraine Payshoe and Charlotte Jean Szynskie. 

Services will be Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., rosary at 11 a.m. and Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. 

Donations in memory of Ed can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/donate