[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 3196, NAMING THE PORT JERVIS POST OFFICE THE E. ARTHUR GRAY POST 
                                 OFFICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Hall) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, just moments ago, this body 
voted to pay an appropriate tribute to a dedicated public servant in 
New York's 19th Congressional District.
  On April 10, 2007, the Hudson Valley lost one of its most involved 
leaders when E. Arthur Gray, a former five-term mayor of Port Jervis 
and New York State Senator, passed away at the age of 82 years old. He 
left behind a legacy of friendship, involvement and service that earned 
him a permanent place in the heart of Port Jervis and serves as an 
example of what it means to work for the betterment of your community.
  By voting to pass legislation that would redesignate the post office 
in Port Jervis, New York, as the E. Arthur Gray Post Office Building, 
the House has acknowledged the contributions of an individual who loved 
his hometown and who, as a businessman, government official and family 
man, dedicated a significant portion of his time and energy to its 
civic life.
  Simply put, Arthur Gray was a Port Jervis resident to the core: born 
February 28, 1925, in Port Jervis, a graduate of Port Jervis High 
School before leaving briefly for college, only to return as president 
and co-owner of the Gray-Parker Funeral Home in his native Port Jervis.
  Art Gray's participation in public life extended to government 
service. He was mayor of Port Jervis from 1978 to 1988. A lifetime 
resident of Port Jervis, Gray gave his undivided attention to issues, 
both large and small, and was widely known for his open-door policy.
  Art Gray remains the longest-serving mayor in the history of Port 
Jervis. During his tenure he was able to reinvigorate the downtown area 
and greatly improve the city's economic development plan. Citizens of 
the local area remember Art as a man who was generous in nature and 
willing to help those in need. After finishing his service as mayor, 
Art Gray maintained his commitment to public service by successfully 
running for a seat in the New York State senate in 1988.
  He represented the 39th Senatorial District in that capacity until 
1990. But E. Arthur Gray's contributions to his city and his country 
were not limited to business and politics. He served as a lieutenant in 
the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II. He was also deeply involved 
in community life, and the list of organizations that count him as a 
member is astounding.
  At one time or another, Art Gray was a member of the Port Jervis 
Community Development Agency, the Orange County Economic Development 
Agency, the National League of Small Cities Advisory Council, St. 
Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Bon Secours Community Hospital Advisory 
Board, Knights of Columbus Council No. 471, Ancient Order of Hibernians 
in America, Elks Lodge No. 645, BPOE, Port Jervis Lions Club, Tri-
States Chamber of Commerce, Port Jervis Country Club, Metaque Falls 
Hunting Club, Tri-States Rod and Gun Club, the Port Jervis Board of 
Education, and Port Jervis Planning Board.
  When you look at that list, you gain a true appreciation for how much 
time, energy, and dedication Art Gray devoted to betterment of his 
hometown. However, he devoted just as much, if not more, to his family 
and friends. He was extremely devoted to his wife, Helen; son, Gerald; 
daughter, Brigid; and numerous other family members and close friends. 
He is remembered by those closest to him as enthusiastic, optimistic, 
supporting, loving, and inspirational.
  Through it all, E. Arthur Gray's life was deeply interwoven with the 
fabric of Port Jervis, his home, and it is fitting that the adoption of 
this bill will help memorialize his service.

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