Edward Arthur Gray (February 28, 1925 – April 10, 2007) was an American politician from New York. A member of the Democratic Party, Gray was elected to the New York State Senate in 1988, defeating Republican incumbent Dick Schermerhorn. He served one term before losing reelection to Bill Larkin. Gray previously held office as the longest-serving mayor of his home town of Port Jervis, New York.[1] The town's post office building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places was named after him in 2008.[2][3]

E. Arthur Gray
Member of the New York State Senate
from the 39th district
In office
January 1, 1989 – December 31, 1990
Preceded byDick Schermerhorn
Succeeded byBill Larkin
Mayor of Port Jervis, New York
In office
1978–1988
Succeeded byDick Roberts
Personal details
Born
Edward Arthur Gray

(1925-02-28)February 28, 1925
Port Jervis, New York, U.S.
DiedApril 10, 2007(2007-04-10) (aged 82)
Port Jervis, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseHelen Hart
Alma materUniversity of Colorado
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Naval Reserve
RankLieutenant (junior grade)
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life

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Edward Arthur Gray was born on February 28, 1925, in Port Jervis, New York to his parents Arthur A. Grey and Elizabeth Brown Gray.[4] He Grew up in Port Jervis, graduating from Port Jervis High School in 1943.[5] Gray served in the military as junior grade Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II.

Political career

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Gray entered politics when he was elected as the Mayor of Port Jervis, taking office in 1978. He served five full terms as the mayor, and was elected to a sixth, but resigned the mayorship in 1988 after he was elected to the New York State Senate for the 39th district. He was elected as a Democrat, defeating the incumbent Republican Dick Schermerhorn, who had served as state senator for 16 years.[6] Gray was sworn in on January 1, 1989, serving one full term in the State Senate. He ran for re-election in the 1990 New York State Senate Election but lost to Assemblyman Bill Larkin.

Personal life

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He married Helen A. Gray in 1949 and the couple had 2 kids together.[7] He died on April 10, 2007, in Port Jervis, being survived by his wife and his 2 kids.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "E. Arthur Gray dies at 82, was mayor of Port Jervis, state senator". Times Herald-Record. April 11, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  2. ^ H.R.3196 -- To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 20 Sussex Street in Port Jervis, New York, as the 'E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building'.
  3. ^ "Hall introduces bill to name PJ post office for late Mayor Arthur Gray". Times-Herald Record. Ottaway Community Newspapers. August 3, 2007.
  4. ^ "Obituary information for Senator E. Arthur Gray". www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  5. ^ "Alumni Hall of Fame". www.pjschools.org. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  6. ^ Murphy, Doyle. "E. Arthur Gray dead at 82". Times Herald-Record. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
  7. ^ "Obituary of Helen A. Gray | Gray-Parker Funeral Home". grayparker.funeraltechweb.com. Retrieved 2023-05-11.
New York State Senate
Preceded by New York State Senate
39th District

1988–1991
Succeeded by