Charles Collins Bray (1928-2015)
Charles C. Bray, 87, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28th, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. His life was one of joy, constant adventure and great love. A man of many gifts, Charles graduated from Yale University, Princeton Theological Seminary and received his Ph.D in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, though his loyalty always remained with Haverford High School. Born in 1928 to Charles and Celia Bray, Charles began his life in the same manner that it ended, with tremendous vigor and imagination. In the 1960’s, Charles was a Presbyterian Minister at the Third Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA, where he tirelessly devoted himself to the cause of civil rights. In his long life, it seemed there was no stone left unturned. His love of life was unquenchable. He was a Professor of Social Work at Bryn Mawr College, a business owner, CEO of a shipyard and, at one point, a one star General for the Red Cross in Saudi Arabia. Charles traveled the world, sailed the seas and climbed to the highest limbs of the banana trees in Israel. It is whispered that, when he died, he held the Senior title for his family’s international bocce championship. Charles was a poet, a pastor, a passionate performer and a brilliant thinker. At the end of his life, even his delusions were masterfully designed. He is survived by his wife, Denise, the great love of his life, four children; Karen, Chip, Betsy and Wendy, his ten grandchildren; Kristi, Tycho, Echo, Lindsay, Connor, Andrew, Victor, Maya, Rutger and Jack, and his two great grandchildren; Givenci and Givano. They will forever remember him with love and much laughter.
A celebration of the life of Charles C. Bray will be held at The Barn at Silverstone located at 62 Bowman Road, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, September 5th at 1pm.
I was surfing and came across this citation of someone I knew over 40 years ago. Dr. Bray consulted with our City of Philadelphia agency. He was extremely gentile and a perfect gentleman. The information he provided was very timely and improved the working knowledge of his audience.
I did not know his full capabilities until reading his obituary.
Rest In Peace.
Charles was a wonderful, thoughtful man. When I got promoted he ran out and bought me flowers to say Congratulations! It was an honor to know him. May you find peace in knowing how admired and loved he was. And may God be with your family at this time.
A Chaplin who will truly be missed. His love a people and his dedication to his work was remarkable. I only knew Charles for a little over 2 years at Care Dimensions but I looked forward to his visits to my office and our conversation. ?
I am very sorry for your loss. Charles was loved by all who met him. He will be greatly missed. He had a real depth to him and everyone who came in contact with him learned something! I know I did. Wishing you peace,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you … may you find peace.