Resident of San Jose

Dave was born in San Francisco to Albert Gray and Ruth Clancy. Hewas preceded in death by his twin Albert, sisters Ruth and Mary, brother John and daughter Maureen Brady (Dave).

He is survived by his wife of 73 years Antoinette, his sister Catharine and children Steve (Tina), Tom (Laurie) and Sheila Gregory (Brian), ten grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Dave was raised a Catholic in the Noe Valley neighborhood attending St. Paul's grammar school where he was analtar boy with his brother Al and then Sacred Heart HS graduating in 1947. He was married in 1951 and moved to the "country" buying a home in San Jose in 1954. They raised their four children on Pineview Drive and occupy the same home to this day.

Dave worked for several commercial laundry companies before finding his life's work in the elevator construction business. Dad worked in that industry for 30+ years. He was the foreman on a number of large malls including East Ridge in San Jose and Sun Valley inConcord. He retired in 1992. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, family was most important to him. He always wanted to know how his children and grandchildren were doing in their own lives. He was a generous father, involved in all family home projects. He was the neighborhood 'fix it' expert bringing his electrical, mechanical and plumbing skills to use keeping washers, dryers and heaters running for the young and growing families on Pineview Drive.

Dave was a longtime volunteer at the Carmelite Monastery in Santa Clara. He serviced their aging elevators and when they wore out, he installed 2 new units which were much needed. In retirement Dave enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his real passion was flying. He started flying at age 19 and continued until he was 88, having earned private, commercial and CFI certificates. He taught many students at Reid Hillview Airport in San Jose. He owned a number of aircraft including a PT-19, Cessna 140, Piper Pacer and a Citabria. Dave was a tail dragger and aerobatic specialist. Dave’s enthusiasm, love of life and generosity will be missed. His strong faith, family values and humanity to others are a great example of a live well lived.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Sunday evening, October 27th at 5:00pm at the Lima Mortuary in Santa Clara followed by a funeral Mass at St. Martin of Tours church on Monday, October 28th at 11:00am. A private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma will be on Tuesday, October 29th.