Brian Dennis Gray

Brian Dennis Gray, 43, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Thursday, March 11 at St. Patrick's Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Public visitation will be from 10am to noon, prior to services, at the church. Due to COVID guidelines, masks and social distancing will be mandatory. He will be buried at St. Columba Cemetery. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Brian was born May 22, 1977 in Ottawa to Patricia K. (Rossiter) and Dennis M. Gray. He was previously employed at Galaxy Communications but most recently worked at Independence Tube Corp. Brian enjoyed sports of all kinds and was active in baseball, hockey, golf, softball, and water skiing. He was a kind and caring family man who cherished every moment spent with his son. 

Brian's sense of humor and consistently positive attitude helped him and his family through the last year of his fight with cancer. Even until his last moments, he was always cracking jokes and keeping spirits high. 

He is survived by his parents, Patty Gray of Ottawa and Dennis (Eva) Gray of Diamond City, AR; the love of his life, Shannon Stephenson and their son, Carter; his brother, Patrick Gray; his sister, Molly (Miguel) Gonzalo of Park Ridge; and his grandmother, Dolores Rossiter. Brian was the proud uncle of Alexander, Christopher, and Piper Gonzalo, and Isabella Gray. Brian was the proud confirmation sponsor of his nephew, Alex.

Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marshall "Gene" and Eleanor Gray; and his maternal grandfather, William Rossiter. 

Pallbearers will be Miguel, Alexander, and Christopher Gonzalo, Arthur Rick, Robert Thomas, and Nort Stephenson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Brian Gray Memorial fund through the First National Bank of Ottawa, 701 LaSalle St, Ottawa, IL 61350. This memorial fund was created to help Brian's son Carter give back to the kids of his community. In remembrance of Brian, Carter can help less fortunate children in the Ottawa area have a brighter future. 

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