Edward Donald Tray

Edward Donald Tray, affectionately known as “Bear, age 77, of St. Clair, PA was received by Our Lord into his Kingdom, Sunday September 28th, 2025 at St Luke’s Geisinger Medical Campus, Orwigsburg.
Born in Pottsville, PA October 3, 1947, he was the son of Edward C, Jr and Margaret V (Dougherty) Tray.
Ed a lifelong resident of St Clair, he was a graduate of the Class of 1965, Nativity BVM Catholic High School. He entered the Inaugural Class of Allentown College of St Francis DeSales, now DeSales University, earning a Bachelor of Education in 1969. 
He began his teaching career at St Stephen’s Parochial School in Port Carbon. Ed dedicated his life to teaching young minds and molding young souls in the Diocese of Allentown for over 40 years. After, his retirement from St Stephens, Ed found his way to his high school alma mater once again devoting his time and talents teaching religion classes. 
In 1983 Ed became the Head Coach of Girls Volleyball at Nativity High School.  During, his tenure as the Golden Girls Head Coach his team won 2 Schuylkill County League Championships, Eleven District 11 Titles and a 3rd place finish in the PIAA State Volleyball Tournament. Upon his retirement in 2000 Ed’s leadership accounted for over 250 teams wins. In 2018 he was inducted into Nativity BVM High School Athletic Hall of Fame as unarguably the most decorated volleyball coach in Nativity High School history. During his time at St Stephens Ed guided their CYO Volleyball team to numerous Diocesan and State CYO Championships.
Bored with full retirement, Ed became an Ambassador for Middle States Accreditation. A program certifying that an elementary school meets and develops high-quality standards for education. Ed was still performing his duties until his passing.
Ed was a 50 year Knights of Columbus member starting in Frackville and then transferring his membership to his hometown Council St John Neumann, St Clair. Ed obtained the 3rd Degree and served in various leadership capacities including two terms as their Grand Knight.
Ed was a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, PA.  Ed enjoyed sports, watching Eagles and Phillies games, but not more than attending Penn State Nittany Lions games. He was a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed traveling with his friends to their bowl games and leaving behind the cold northeast winter to the warmth of the southern and western states.  His favorite bowl game was the 1987 Fiesta Bowl Championship game when Class beat Crass.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia at 11am, Monday October 6, with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.
Relatives and Friends are invited to visitation on Monday morning 9:30-11am at the Church.
Interment will be held in the Queen of Universe Cemetery Pottsville, PA
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church Memorial Fund 99 Valley St, New Philadelphia, PA 17959 or Nativity BVM High School, 1 Lawtons Hill, Pottsville, PA 17901.
The Robert A Evans Jr Funeral Home, Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements. www.robertaevansjrfh.com.