*UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION*

John “Jack” Thomas Bray 76, of Marlborough, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Born December 31, 1946, in Bridgeport, CT; He was the son of the late Thomas and Helen (Brown) Bray. John attended Norwalk State Technical College, and later went on to the University of Hartford, where he obtained his master’s degree in operations research. In 1965 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he learned to speak Russian fluently. After being honorably discharged in 1969, he met his future wife, Diane (Stodolink) they married in 1971 and moved to Vernon and Bloomfield, until finally settling down in Marlborough, where they raised their family. John worked for over 28 years at Aetna Insurance until his retirement in 1997. In his spare time, he and Diane fostered dogs for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. John was a gifted craftsman when it came to anything related to wood. Over the years he created numerous beautiful and intricate wood projects, and even went on to win first prize at the Hebron Fair for his efforts. John also served on the Conservation committee in Marlborough for 28 years, serving in the capacity as a former secretary and chairman. He is survived by his wife Diane Bray of Marlborough; daughter Jennifer Schlotzhauer and husband Jessey; of Oregon; grandchildren Nathan and William Schlotzhauer of Oregon; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Kathleen “Kelly” Bray, and his son Joseph Bray; sisters Linda Buskey and Susan Smith. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10 - 11 AM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM. John will ultimately be laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 1111 Cromwell Ave Building #3, Ste 302C, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor New York, NY 10281. 

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