1943
Henry
2025
Henry John Bray, Jr.
July 15, 1943 — January 24, 2025
Schuyler - Henry J. Bray Jr. passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025 after a brief illness.
Henry was born on July 15, 1943 in Bridgeport, CT to Henry J. and Maria Bray. First and foremost, Henry was a proud, hardworking, stubborn and tenacious family dairy farmer. His passion for farming came at a young age and his dedication to his cattle and land never wavered. Family farming is a calling and lifestyle that demands 24/7, 365 days per year attention and fortitude. It is a lifestyle based on hope. It’s what he did and who he was. He was called a farmer, which in reality means vet, electrician, herdsman, plantsman, mechanic, handyman, craftsman, weatherman, good neighbor and animal lover. He met his soul’s desire in communion with the land and animals in his care. Farming was and remained his first true love. He maintained a solid work ethic, safely raised 7 children on the farm and rebuilt following a devastating barn fire in 2003. Henry will be remembered for many things – his dedication to family, his quick wit and humor, his love of country music (decades before it was trendy), Belgian draft horses and his knack for making abiding and meaningful friendships spanning time and distance. His laughter, blue eyes and knowing mischievous winks will stay with us always. Henry loved to socialize and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. If ice cream was involved, well all the better; no one visited the farm without being offered a bowl.
He was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Benedict and brother David Bray. Henry was also predeceased by his first wife Nancy, with whom he shared three daughters: Kim (Alan) Upson, Debbie (Beth) Bray and Jennifer (Gloria) Bray. Henry remarried and is survived by Cheryl Bray with whom he shared 4 more daughters; Rachael (Brad) Talbot of Mohawk, Rebecca (Jimmy) Weber of Baldwinsville; Kory of Schuyler and Kerry of Oswego. He is survived by his sister Patricia Peterson of Hudson, Ohio. Henry is also survived by his grandchildren; Brandon (Michelle) Upson, Alyssa Upson, Daniel (Amanda) Upson and Jordan Upson, Henry, Maggie and Jack Weber and Trey, Logan, Paige, Reese and Leena Talbot. Great-grandchildren include; Lucas, Tristan, Grayson and Isabelle Upson and Wyatt and Jameson Upson.
A celebration of Henry’s life is planned for July 12, 2025 at 1pm at Jennifer’s house; feel free to join us as we’d love to see you. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Farmland Trust or Alzheimer’s Association of America. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.
To leave condolences for Henry's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com
Henry was born on July 15, 1943 in Bridgeport, CT to Henry J. and Maria Bray. First and foremost, Henry was a proud, hardworking, stubborn and tenacious family dairy farmer. His passion for farming came at a young age and his dedication to his cattle and land never wavered. Family farming is a calling and lifestyle that demands 24/7, 365 days per year attention and fortitude. It is a lifestyle based on hope. It’s what he did and who he was. He was called a farmer, which in reality means vet, electrician, herdsman, plantsman, mechanic, handyman, craftsman, weatherman, good neighbor and animal lover. He met his soul’s desire in communion with the land and animals in his care. Farming was and remained his first true love. He maintained a solid work ethic, safely raised 7 children on the farm and rebuilt following a devastating barn fire in 2003. Henry will be remembered for many things – his dedication to family, his quick wit and humor, his love of country music (decades before it was trendy), Belgian draft horses and his knack for making abiding and meaningful friendships spanning time and distance. His laughter, blue eyes and knowing mischievous winks will stay with us always. Henry loved to socialize and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. If ice cream was involved, well all the better; no one visited the farm without being offered a bowl.
He was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Benedict and brother David Bray. Henry was also predeceased by his first wife Nancy, with whom he shared three daughters: Kim (Alan) Upson, Debbie (Beth) Bray and Jennifer (Gloria) Bray. Henry remarried and is survived by Cheryl Bray with whom he shared 4 more daughters; Rachael (Brad) Talbot of Mohawk, Rebecca (Jimmy) Weber of Baldwinsville; Kory of Schuyler and Kerry of Oswego. He is survived by his sister Patricia Peterson of Hudson, Ohio. Henry is also survived by his grandchildren; Brandon (Michelle) Upson, Alyssa Upson, Daniel (Amanda) Upson and Jordan Upson, Henry, Maggie and Jack Weber and Trey, Logan, Paige, Reese and Leena Talbot. Great-grandchildren include; Lucas, Tristan, Grayson and Isabelle Upson and Wyatt and Jameson Upson.
A celebration of Henry’s life is planned for July 12, 2025 at 1pm at Jennifer’s house; feel free to join us as we’d love to see you. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to American Farmland Trust or Alzheimer’s Association of America. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.
To leave condolences for Henry's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Henry John Bray, Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration
Jennifer’s house
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors