Gifts & Memorial Donations

Robert “Bob” Allyn Dray passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2021 with his loving wife Diane, at his side.

Born in New London, CT on June 19, 1929, he attended Buckley High School, Mitchell College and the University of New Haven in CT. He served his country proudly in the US Navy and was stationed in Washington, DC. Coming from a long line military men, Bob was a member of the National and the Florida Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Bob was employed by Pfizer Inc. for 35 years, working in Groton CT, Southport NC, and New York City. He was one of the founders of the Pfizer Employees Credit Union, now known as Scient Federal Credit Union, serving on the Board of Directors and as past president. Bob was very involved in the credit union movement and also served as an alternate Director and Program Chairman for the Eastern Chapter of the Connecticut Credit Union league.

Bob had a blessed life and volunteering was his way of giving back. Always community minded, he volunteered in Groton as a Little League coach and manager for many years; he was Chairman of the Town Recreation Commission, and a member of the City of Groton Planning Commission. In addition, he was a member of Knights of Columbus and Elks Club #2163 in Groton, CT. A former resident of the Woodfield Community in Tarpon Springs, FL, Bob worked on many committees and served as president for many years. He also served on Pinellas County Code Enforcement.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, caring and devotion. He was a man of great faith and prayed every day for those he loved. He would sometimes say, “I added ‘so and so’ to my prayers. They’re going through a rough time.”

He was preceded in death by his parents Rosalie Facas and Edward Dray; and brothers Gleason, Edward Jr., Gary, and William.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Diane (Arbaszewski); sons Robert Jr. (Cyndy) of Ledyard, CT and Mark of FL; grandsons Joshua (Demetria) of Asheville NC and Travis of Stonington, CT; and great-grandchldren Levon and Gladys, his Goddaughter Barbara Ann Spicer of Groton CT, numerous nephews, and his best friend, David Bechtel of Hudson, FL.

The family extends a huge sense of gratitude to his family physician, Dr. Amir Shirmohammad of Trinity, FL; and to Maureen Diorio and Iris Yasso from Suncoast Hospice who also provided him with exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice “Pearl Team” who took excellent care of Bob. https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations/

Checks may also be sent to Suncoast Hospice Pearl Team, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 32760. The memo should include ‘Pearl Team’ and in memory of Robert Dray.

Private services will be planned for a future date.

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Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory

December 09, 2021

David Bechtel lit a candle:
December 09, 2021

Michael Arbaszewski says:

The best man I’ve ever known, in 1975 as a very young man granted me my dream and approved a loan for a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, being the president of the then Pfizer Credit Union (very likely he personally secured it for a very young man still in high school) I owned up to the loan and and the promise that I would never forget it, and I never did, sometimes you never know how you can touch a persons life. Bob has touched many peoples lives in such a positive way, I still promise to never forget and pay it forward, thank you again Bob you touched my life in a very positive way, love always
December 10, 2021

Thomas Dray says:

Uncle Bob was a VERY caring Man who upon finding out my Dad had cancer, tried his best to get him the best care. He was a very loving man to my Daughter when we visited him and Aunt Diane. He always called me on my birthday. I really missed it the other day. I will always cherish our memories Dear man.
December 10, 2021

Joshua Dray says:

Grandpa was a very caring and heart driven man. He made sure my brother and myself experienced traveling, history, food, culture! Gramps took us on vacations up and down the east coast as well as Hawaii and Canada. I feel like I inherited his heart and love of people! I love you kid
December 10, 2021

Robert Arbaszewski says:

Bob was one of the good ones (PERIOD). Since I was a young teenager, I have always looked up to Bob and respected him. Obviously, respect is not always easy for a teenager, but Bob made it easier. It could have been because at least once he helped bail me out of jail. Most of all, it was because he loved my sister Diane more than anything in the world. My wife Sandy, daughter Alicia and I will never forget Bob. Whenever I call Diane on the phone and Bob answered, I would say "Robert here" He would say "Diane some guy named Robert Here is on the phone"
December 11, 2021

Deb Ganley says:

I lived in Woodfield for many years while Bob was President of the Homeowner's Association. When my husband became disabled due to Alzheimer's and was no longer able to keep up the outside of our house, it took one call to Bob to explain the situation and he had everything handled for me, being at my house the next day with a landscaping crew. I have stayed friends with Bob & Diane since we both left Woodfield, I cherish their friendship & will miss Bob very much.
December 11, 2021

william evans says:

Mr Robert Dray was a great human with a caring heart. His friendship with Woodfield HOA property manager, John Krick (whom also passed away this year) were a great team in fantastic managing of this association for many years! I was lucky to meet him while doing the CPA Financial Statements and tax returns for many years. He was a great leader and always will be in my memories. His volute ering has influences me in during the same in my life!
December 11, 2021

Avery Family says:

So very sorry for your loss, Diane. Bob was a great man and never to busy to help anyone in need. Our condolences to you and the entire Dray family.
December 12, 2021

Bill Sanford says:

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Dray passing. He played an important part in my life growing up in Groton. He was a great role model for all us kids in the city. His commitment to our youth through Little League and City Recreation benefited all us kids. Sending thoughts and prayers to you, Diane, Bob and Mark.
December 12, 2021

Gloria Jeffords says:

I always liked Bobby. As children we sat on the back porch talking, laughing, and good time. May his memory be a comfort to his family.
December 13, 2021

Glenn and Patti Scalia says:

Bob was a dear friend whose presence in and inspirational service to our community will be missed. His legacy will be felt for years to come.
December 15, 2021

Dr. Dinh and Jackie says:

We really enjoyed having Bob visit our dental office. He was such a wonderful patient. Always had a big smile and many jokes. We loved listening to his life stories. He'll be missed deeply.
December 21, 2021

Dr. Amir Shirmohammad says:

Bob was a very special man. A true gentleman in every sense. It was an honor and a joy to care for him. It was obvious he was a hero who served our country and a man of faith... He was so much more than that to so many. I am a better man for knowing him and better doctor for caring for him. I will never forget him and cherish all of our visits. Rest In Peace and God Bless.
December 24, 2021

Phil and Teree Matzner says:

Bob was not only a true friend to Teree and I, but a mentor to so many who sought to care for the Woodfield Community. He and I would joke often and whenever I needed any assistance he would be there for me and my wife for whatever the reason. When people think of the Woodfield Community, the name Bob Dray will always be thought of as the person who helped make this community what is today. May he Rest In Peace.