Glenn Thomas Bray

In loving memory of Glenn T Bray Glenn Bray died peacefully on October 13, 2021, with his family at his side after a bout with cancer. Glenn was born in Syracuse, New York on October 16, 1948. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Jacqueline "Jackey" Bray of Naples, FL, his children, Glenn Jr, Erik, and Krista; his daughters-in-law Stefanie and Kerry; his grand-children Nicholas, Benjamin, Brooklyn, and Britt; his sisters Donna and Linda, brother William; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Lorraine, father Walter, and brothers Walter and Richard. Glenn spent his early life in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn where he developed his life-long passion for boating and met Jackey, his teenage sweetheart. They were married in a tiny chapel, St. Margaret Mary in Manhattan Beach NY, where they lived near family. Their children Glenn and Erik were born in Brooklyn. Shortly thereafter the family moved to rural Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey to raise their family in greener pastures. Their daughter Krista was born a few years afterward. Glenn was a jack-of-all trades contractor, who managed to accomplish things that others thought were impossible. He was determined and optimistic when most would be deterred. He and his wife built a two-story home with their own hands, from the concrete foundation to the shingles on the roof. He provided for his family through his hard work and ingenuity. He never struck it rich, but always managed to get by. He could repair anything. He tinkered endlessly, and was gleefully guilty of having more open projects than he should have. He made sure his children knew how to change a tire before he let them drive. When traveling for work around North Jersey, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of delis with great coffee and Kaiser rolls. In the 1970's Glenn discovered a neglected 1939 Chris Craft behind a warehouse. After negotiating an amazing bargain, he dragged it home on flat, bald tires, and proceeded to lovingly restore it - he rebuilt the engine in his basement himself, refinished every chrome fitting, and restored the mahogany plank-by-plank. The final finishing touches were a family affair, leading to many fond memories accompanied by the sound of a roaring flat head 6-cylinder that many around Beach 2 & 3 likely remember. Glenn was ceaselessly committed to his family, and would travel on a moment's notice to help anyone in need. Without fail, every Christmas included a trip to his mother's and grandmother's homes in Brooklyn. He made delicious Swedish meatballs and sang "Happy Birthday" in Swedish to celebrate his heritage. He and Jackey stood by each other for 54 years, through thick and thin. He was endlessly proud of his children and grand-children. Glenn and Jackey retired to Naples in 2013. Through all kinds of weather, Glenn kept a smile on his face. The night of his passing, a spectacular rainbow appeared at Loudermilk park, a favorite destination of his, bringing smiles to everyone. We like to think he had something to do with it. A celebration of Glenn's life with friends and extended family will be announced in the near future.