Graham Nelson Anthony

Graham Nelson “Gray” Anthony, 71, passed away on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 p.m., surrounded by those who loved him, after a courageous six-year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He faced that fight with the same determination, resilience, and grit that defined the way he lived his life. Right up until the end, Gray never let the disease define him.

Gray was born on January 21, 1955, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Robert Leonard Anthony and Mildred Currie Anthony. He spent many years in New Jersey, including Kearny, West Milford, and Milltown, where he met and married the girl next door. Life later took him and his family to New Mexico and, eventually, to Ohio, where they settled to be closer to family.

Gray began his career as an airplane mechanic, a path that was unexpectedly cut short by an accident. Ever resourceful, he shifted gears and went to work for Wang Laboratories as a computer technician. After the family moved to New Mexico, he joined American Micro Systems, where he eventually became a part owner.

He later worked for Terminix before starting his own pest control business. After moving to Ohio, Gray worked as a maintenance mechanic for the A.I. Root Candle Company and later for Georgia-Pacific, where he remained until his retirement in 2019.

Retirement did not mean sitting still. Gray always had a project underway, whether inside the house or out in the yard. There was seemingly always something to build, repair, improve, or figure out. He was happiest when his hands and mind were occupied, and there was rarely a problem he wasn’t willing to tackle.

Gray genuinely enjoyed people. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Over the years, those conversations often became lasting friendships.

Some of his happiest times were spent on a golf course or around a poker table. Gray enjoyed playing in the Wednesday league at Pine Valley and the Sunday “Tin Tin Cup” game at Rustic Hills Country Club, sharing countless rounds with his brother, Bob, and the many friends he made along the way.

For more than 20 years, Gray was also a regular at a monthly poker game, rarely missing a game. He was considered one of the best players at the table and earned a reputation among the group as “the one to beat.”

For eight consecutive years, Gray volunteered at St. Paul’s Church Annual Oktoberfest, serving beer and doing what came so naturally to him — talking, laughing, and enjoying the people around him.

Gray is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Joan Anthony; his son, Joshua Ryan Anthony; his stepchildren, Kim Marie Natoli, Kirstan Layne Natoli, and Kristopher Peter Natoli; and his granddaughter, Annalise Mae Natoli. He is also survived by his brother, Robert “Bob” Anthony and his wife, Mary Anthony; their daughters, Heather Schaefer, Victoria Robben, and Jennifer Anthony; and their children.

To his family, Gray was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and anchor. His son, Joshua, shared these words after his passing:

September 4th at 10:00 PM, we lost my father.

I don’t think there are words that can really explain what it feels like to watch your Father take his last breath. No matter how much you try to prepare yourself, you’re never prepared for that moment.

Dad fought for so long. He battled pancreatic cancer, for over 6 years, faced things that I know I couldn’t have imagined going through myself. Somehow he kept going with the brightest of spirit. Even when things got harder, he was still my Dad and I’ll always be grateful that I got to be there with him through the end.

These last few weeks have changed us in ways we don’t even know how to explain. I’ve learned that sometimes loving someone means simply sitting beside them, holding their hand, talking to them even when they can’t answer, and making sure they know they aren’t alone.

Dad, I hope you’re finally free. No more pain. No more fighting. No more hospitals.

I hope wherever you are, you’re watching over us, and I hope you know just how deeply you were loved.

I’m going to miss you more than I can put into words. I’ll miss your voice, your stories, your presence, and all the little things I probably never realized I’d miss until they were gone.

Thank you for being my Dad and our families anchor. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the years.

I love you, Dad.

Until we meet again. ❤️

P.S. “Oh yeah, Ow”

Gray will be remembered for his warmth, his work ethic, the friendships he made along the way, and his devotion to family. His presence will be deeply missed, but the stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will remain with those who knew and loved him.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Until we meet again.

A celebration of Gray’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) in Gray’s memory.

A Message to Gray from Patti

To my partner, my rock, and my better half — I miss you more than words can say, but I am so grateful that you are no longer in pain and are finally at peace. You are always in my thoughts and forever in my heart.

Until we meet again, my love.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home 330-535-9186.