MECHANICVILLE -- William E. Grey, Sr., 82, of South Second Avenue, Mechanicville, NY died Saturday, December 18, 1999 at Albany Medical Center Hospital following a short illness. Born May 16, 1917 in Saratoga Springs, NY, son of the late Irving and Mary Lena Kennedy Grey. Husband of Marjorie F. Martin Grey, whom he married April 17, 1944. He was a graduate of Mechanicville High School, class of 1934 and a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, class of 1950 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Mr. Grey was employed as an engineer for Cluett Peabody of Troy for 10 years. In 1959, he joined New York Life Insurance Company as a field underwriter. He was a charter life underwriter and a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He retired in 1990. A veteran of World War II, he graduated from Selman Field, Monroe, LA, as a navigator. He was in the Eighth Air Force and flew 35 missions with the 490th Bomb Squadron over Germany in B-17's and 15 missions as a navigator in British Mosquitos. While in the 8th Air Force, he was shot down on this 33 mission. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving the crew. Mr. Grey was a Scout Master for 16 years at St. Paul's Church. Also, he was co-chairman of the Diocesan Development Program since its founding. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #208, a past Grand Knight and a past District Deputy. He was an usher at St. Paul's for over 50 years. He was a chairman of the Mechanicville Housing Authority during his tenure from 1955-1964 when the J.S. Moore Housing was built. He was a longtime member of the Mechanicville Rotary Club. Survivors, in addition to his wife of 55 years include, five sons, William E. Grey, Jr. of Mechanicville, Martin F. Grey of South Glens Falls, Mark G. Grey of Glenside, PA, Daniel J. Grey of Williston, VT, Stephen M. Grey of Clifton Park; one daughter, Erin E. Grey of Fayetteville, NY; one brother, George F. Grey of Albany; two sisters, Kathryn Higgins and Virginia Sheehan, both of Mechanicville. Mr. Grey was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth DiCocco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 9:30 from Assumption-St. Paul's Church, North Main Street, Mechanicville. Relatives and friends may call at the Dunn Funeral Homes, Inc., 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville on Monday, 2-4 and 6-8. Entombment will be in St. Paul's Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Endowment Fund of Assumption-St. Paul's Church, 52 William Street, Mechanicville, New York 12118, in his memory.

Times Union, The (Albany, NY) - Sunday, December 19, 1999