Obituary

Alan Gibson Gray passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Robert and Ivy Graham Gray on December 18, 1929, Alan grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he attended Fair Lawn High School. He went on to graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York, in 1951. In 1962, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University.

In August 1952, Alan married Nancy Jane Haas, whom he met in high school. Together, they built a life in New Jersey before moving to Cincinnati, OH, and eventually settled in Alexandria, VA. They shared a loving marriage until Nancy’s passing in 2012.

Alan proudly served as a Navy Reservist, including time aboard minesweepers during the Korean War. Following his service, he worked as an engineer with General Electric and Rolls-Royce, contributing to major projects such as space propulsion, the Pegasus engine for Harrier jets, and the Concorde. Around 1980, he left Rolls-Royce to establish the Lonington Group and Metro Marine, consulting on various engineering projects both in the United States and internationally.

Alan and Nancy were deeply involved in the Belle Haven community, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Patricia. He was an active member of the Civic Association, Belle Haven Country Club, and the University Club.

In 2018, after 55 years in Belle Haven, Alan relocated to Bellingham, WA, to be with his loving partner and companion, Bonnie Pattridge. He is survived by Bonnie, his daughter Jennifer, and her husband, Michael Jones; his grandchildren, Amanda (Trent Smith) and Andrew Jones; his great-grandchildren, Logan and Layla Smith; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Alan was predeceased by his daughter Patricia in 1989. Family and friends will deeply miss him in both Alexandria and Bellingham.

Alan will be interred alongside his daughter Patricia at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria.

To honor his legacy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USMMA Alumni Association, 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024, or online at www.usmmaalumni.com/donate.  Please reference Alan G Gray, ’51.

A memorial service will be held on April 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 323 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA.  Interment will follow at Ivy Hill Cemetery, located at 2823 King St, Alexandria, at 2:00 p.m.