Bishop Hendricken will hold an evening of prayer for the repose of the soul of Mr. Michael Gray on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:30pm at St. Kevin Church. Attendance is limited to the first 100 community members who RSVP with Office of Mission & Ministry, here. The memorial prayer service will be streamed in its entirety on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeAHendrickenHawk.
WARWICK, RI (June 21, 2020) – The following is a message from Fr. Marciano ’75, President, and Mr. DeCiccio ’03, Principal, on the passing of Bishop Hendricken faculty member Mr. Michael Gray P’09, ’12:
Dear Bishop Hendricken Family:
It is with profound sadness and deep regret that we share with our Bishop Hendricken family the passing of Mr. Michael Gray, a beloved member of our faculty, proud alumni parent, and ardent lover of Bishop Hendricken. Mr. Gray passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Nancy Gray, and their three sons: Colin ’09, Kevin ’12, and Keenan ’12.
Mr. Gray was an integral part of the Bishop Hendricken community. As a member of the Science faculty, Mr. Gray taught Physics, Earth Science, Chemistry, and 8th grade science. He especially enjoyed working with 8th graders via STEM. In addition to teaching, Mr. Gray served on our School Improvement Team and strategic planning teams in recent years. Most importantly, however, Mr. Gray’s genuine care for his students is what set him apart as an inspiring educator and positive role model.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Gray actively served as a mentor to students pursuing all types of interests, similar to himself. Mr. Gray helped found Bishop Hendricken’s Esports program, leading his teams to five straight state titles over the course of two years. Mr. Gray was also moderator of the Board Game Design Club, and previously of Science Olympiad. Mr. Gray was heavily involved as a counselor for the Boy Scouts of America’s Narragansett Council in Rhode Island, mentoring many students through the ranks of scouting.
Despite his near decade of service as a faculty member, Mr. Gray’s love of Bishop Hendricken began first as a parent. With the enrollment of his three sons, Mr. and Dr. Gray became actively involved in the school community, particularly the arts program. Along with his wife, Mr. Gray served as Co-President of the Arts Parent Association and lent a helping hand for countless productions, events, and activities, all with a focus on creating the best possible experience for students. Mr. and Dr. Gray were also among the founding members of the Parent Ambassadors and worked on several parent-related advancement efforts to benefit the school.
At this time, we ask our community for prayers of comfort and strength for the Gray family. We will provide further updates on services and arrangements for our community as they become available.
Additionally, we want to remind students, faculty, and staff that resources are available for those who may be in need of someone with whom to talk, including Mrs. Laura Zaniol, LICSW, School Social Worker; Fr. Brian Morris ‘03, Chaplain; and school guidance counselors.
May Mr. Gray rest in the peace of eternal life.