Robert Spencer Bray, II

Robert Spencer Bray II August 30, 1946 – June 27, 2026

Robert Spencer Bray II, 79, passed away surrounded by his family on June 27, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Orleans, Vermont and was the youngest of four boys to Howard and Nancy Bray (Coons), who both predeceased him. He was predeceased by his brother H. Jeffrey Bray (Meg) and sister Judy Poskanzer. He has three other brothers still living: Jonathan Bray (Robin), G. William Bray (Sue), and Michael Poskanzer.

Bob attended Albany High School and graduated in the class of 1964. In 1966, Bob was drafted into the army and sent over to the Vietnam War. He served his country overseas for 18 months until receiving notice that his mother was gravely ill. After his mother’s passing he remained home working at a recruitment office while taking care of his two younger siblings: Mike and Judy.

Bob graduated from SUNY Albany with a master’s degree in education and was a high school English teacher for over 30 years at Albany High School until his retirement in 2001. He was a well-liked teacher. Frequently he would be approached by former students when he was out and about. He always took time to talk to them, see how they were doing, and his memory for details about that student was extensive.

Bob has four children: Darryl Bray (Emily); Steve Bray (Kelly); Alisa Fortune (Daniel); Robert Gibson; and was a father figure to his life-partner’s son Jason VanGelder (Nicolette). In addition to his children, Bob had many grandchildren that he just adored. He would always tell people how proud he was of his children and all they had done and accomplished. He would talk about his grandkids all the time and would show you a picture or a video of them on his phone. He also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins that remained close his entire life.

Just before Bob retired, he met the love of his life Marilyn VanGelder, or as the grandkids called her Mimi! From the time they met they were inseparable and enjoyed being at the lake on the boat, at the beach, or at the Tiki Bar listening to live music. The love they shared was vast, and something that everyone should aspire to have in their lives.

After Bob retired, he began to vacation during the winter in Indian Shores, Florida with Marilyn. He would look forward to those days, then weeks, then months that they would spend down there. They rented a condo right on the beach with breath taking views of the ocean. Each night he would sit out on the deck and watch the sun set over the ocean with Marilyn by his side. This was precious to him.

Bob loved music. He listened to it, played it, sang it and collected it. In his younger days, he played and sang in a band. He never stopped playing his guitar and singing. Some of the most memorable family gatherings were when he would bring out his guitar and sing some Jim Croce or Elvis! When not playing his guitar, he would spend his time listening to music. He would proudly tell you about the thousands of songs he had saved on his iPod and then be sure to tell you how he remembered a song being on the radio when it first came out. His memory was amazing, he could recall dates and times, faces, names, events and even the weather on days years ago.

If you knew Bob and you are reading this, I would bet if you closed your eyes you can bring up a vivid memory of him, or you can see his smiling face. This is because Bob gave a little piece of himself to the people he met. He took time to listen to you, focus on you, he heard you and he genuinely wanted good for you. He was a walking cliché or a living embodiment of “give you the shirt off his back” if you asked or needed something he could give. He really was the person that you could call when you were in need of help, he would answer, and he would arrive at your house 20 minutes later.

His family is devastated. We are stumbling around in the dark without him, looking for a light switch. Bob was always so strong, so vital, full of energy and he never stopped moving. To imagine moving on without him and his strength and light is so hard for us. But we will. We will because he would want us to. Because he loved us and always wanted the best for us and to cherish what we have with each other. All we can do now is remember him. His laughter, how he would greet you and take time to find out how you were. He lived a full life, truly his cup was full. But we still wanted more, he still wanted more, and somehow, we have to carry on with him in our hearts.

A private ceremony will be held for Bob’s immediate family, and celebration of life will be held by invitation only.

Bob touched so many lives during his 79 years, and he will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made to a Veteran’s charity of your choice.