George Gray, of South Dartmouth, passed away Sunday at the age of 90. Born in Eger, Hungary, he immigrated to New York City in 1927. He was a long time New Bedford area resident and businessman. Mr. Gray was well known as a radio broadcaster, and was owner operator of WBSM radio in New Bedford for many years.
He began his broadcasting career as a reporter at the Herald Tribune in New York City, and was an Army radio instructor during World War Two. While working for a Miami radio station in 1944, he was the first reporter aboard a military aircraft to fly through the “eye” of a hurricane. Mr. Grays’ broadcasting career included both “on-air” talent positions as well as sales management in both the radio and television industry. He purchased WBSM radio in 1962 and worked both on-air, as creator and moderator of the “Open Line” program, and as president and general manager. He went on to own radio stations in Florida, New York and Worcester Massachusetts. Mr. Gray was active in countless civic endeavors and served on the board of directors of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, The United Way, Junior Achievement, the Salvation Army, and Emerson College. He was a licensed pilot and flew his own plane for many years, enjoyed traveling the world, and collecting art and antiques.
Mr. Gray is survived by his wife of 64 years, Charlotte (Henderson) Gray, sons Michael Gray of Dartmouth ,Scott Gray and his wife Kathy of Westport, and granddaughters Nina Gray of Westport and Meredith Gray of Newton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Museum of New Bedford or the New Bedford Whaling Museum.