Deacon Ralph T Fray

Deacon Ralph T. Fray passed away on March 3, 2020. Beloved husband of Diane Champagne Fray for 56 years. Father of David M. Fray (Vonda), James W. Fray (Faith), and Robert A. Fray (Misty). Grandfather of Chad (Nicole), Jessica, Austin (Jessica), Hunter, Jack, and Alex. Great-grandfather of Tanner, Jayden, Bailey Marie, and Athena Rose. Son of the late William Fray and Mae Hepburn Fray. Brother of the late Barbara F. Melady, William Fray, Dr. Alvin Fray, and Robert Fray. Age 96 years and a lifelong resident of Gretna, LA. Ralph was a Veteran of the United States Army having served in World War II. He graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in Microbiology and received his Masters from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). He retired from LA State Board of Health Central Laboratory. He studied at Notre Dame Seminary and was ordained a Deacon by the late Archbishop Philip Hannan in 1981 from St. Cletus Parish in Gretna, LA. He was appointed to the prison ministry at Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, Rivarde Juvenile Detention Center, and Louisiana Training Institute. Ralph was an active parishioner and council member along with his wife Diane at St. Cletus Parish, and they were awarded the St. Louis King of France Medallions. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1905. He will be deeply missed by all.
Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA on Sunday, March 8, 2020 from 6 until 9 pm and on Monday, March 9, 2020 from 8 am until 10:15 am. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 3600 Claire Ave., Gretna, LA at 11 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider masses, or make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Autism Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, or the National World War II Museum. To view and sign the online guestbook visit www.mothefunerals.com .