Obituary of Allen Gray

Allen R. Gray, 94, of State College, died March 12, 2012 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. Born February 23, 1918 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania to the late Norman and Grace (Lutz) Gray. He graduated salutatorian of his high school class in 1935 where he participated in varsity football, basketball and baseball. In 1939, he graduated from West Chester State Teacher College with a dual major in Physical Education and Mathematics. While there, he met his future wife, Olga Tursky Gray, and they were married on October 21, 1939 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Upon graduation, Al taught and coached at East Berlin High School for three years. When the United States entered the Second World War, Al was commissioned as a first lieutenant and was assigned to the 70th Anti-Air Craft Battalion, located in Guadalcanal and served as an anti-air craft unit battery commander. He also served on Bougainville and throughout the Philippine Islands for a thirty month tour of duty and for a period of time his unit was attached to the 3rd Marine Battalion. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in March 1946, receiving numerous military honors and medals. Upon returning from military service, Allen received a master's degree at Penn State University and did additional post graduate work. He was head of the Physical Education Department at Penn State until his retirement on April 1, 1978 as Professor Emeritus. He went on to enjoy an active retirement with family and friends. Allen was an avid outdoors sportsman and strong supporter of Penn State University and its athletic program. In addition to his wife, Olga, he leaves behind daughters Susan Gray Phillips (Bill) of Ocean City, NJ and Lafayette Hill, PA and Rosemary Ann Minchin (Ross) of Perth, Australia, and a son William A. (Ann) of State College, PA. He has five grandchildren: James and Louise Minchin; Jonathan, Shane and Sara Gray. He was preceded in death by his brother, Norman L. Gray. A viewing will be held at Koch's Funeral Home on Thursday March 15th, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by a service at 2:00 pm officiated by Pastor P. Stevens Lynn of Grace Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.