Barbara A. Gray Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara A. Gray, on January 14, 2024 at the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, NY.  Barbara was surrounded by her family when she passed.  She was 85. She joins her parents and sisters Audrey Rooney and Cathleen Wagner.  Her family believes that her families reunion was filled with plenty of dancing!

Born on December 15, 1938, in Queens, NY to Francis and Theresa Williams, Barbara was ambitious .  Always a working woman, she was ahead of her time in wanting a career, something that was often discouraged for women of her generation . 

Starting at IBM she pursued a career in businesses. She reinvented herself as the times demanded.  From the Main Street Southampton shop Sheets and Company, which she owned with her business partner Florence Fink, to her real estate career of over 30 years, she applied a tireless work ethic and drive to everything she did.  She instilled those values to all her children .

Barbara loved  Southampton, she never met a stranger.  Walking in the village, she seemed to know everyone.  She spent a lot of her time helping others achieve their goals and in doing so created a ripple effect in the community. 

Her family and friends will remember her hearty laugh, her elegance and style and her love for a life well lived.

She is survived by her four children Jackie Nilsen (Karl) of Sag Harbor, Michael Rozzi (Susan) in South Bend, IN, Joanne Muller (Bill) in Southampton, and Andrew Gray (Jennifer) in Portland, OR.  She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Olivia and Liam Rozzi and Jennifer and William Muller as well as many nieces and nephews in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as well as many loyal friends.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by O’Connell Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. Memorial Visitation will take place at the O'Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home on April 6th and 7th from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A Funeral Mass at Sacred Hearts Church on Monday, April 8, at 10:00 AM.  Memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association or Heart of the Hamptons.