Dave Gray was a husband, father, business owner, and community leader. He could be found running his company at 8:00 AM, fixing the plumbing at St. Ann’s Academy at noon, chairing a YMCA meeting at 3:00 PM, and coaching his son’s little league team at 6:00 PM. That was a typical day for Dave. He loved helping others and never expected anything in return.

After Dave’s sudden death in 2021, we knew it was important to continue his legacy of giving. With his memory in our hearts, the David A. Gray Legacy Foundation was born.

We are a privately funded foundation. Our mission is to support nonprofits by providing grants that strengthen education, mental and spiritual wellness, and physical health.

To read about our board members, scroll down.

To read more about Dave, click here: David A. Gray Obituary

Meet Dave.

Our Board Members

  • Penny Gray

    Co-Founder/President

    Penny and Dave were living a busy but fulfilling life when Dave died unexpectedly by suicide in 2021. After the initial shock wore off and the fog of grief started to lift a bit, she sat down with her kids and discussed how they could best honor Dave’s memory. The David A. Gray Legacy Foundation was born out of that meeting. She considers it a privilege and a blessing to continue the work that Dave was so passionate about.

  • Matthew Dessena

    Co-Founder/Vice President

    Matt holds a degree in marketing from Coastal Carolina University. He is a Business Development Manager for Oerlikon Balzers in North Carolina, where he lives with his fiance’, Paige, and their two rescue pups. Dave was Matt’s step-dad and was a steadfast source of guidance for him. He is honored to continue Dave’s legacy, especially in the area of suicide prevention.

  • Nicholas Gray

    Co-Founder/Treasurer

    Nick is a senior in high school with plans to study engineering after graduation. Dave was Nick’s dad, coach, mentor, and best friend. He misses him every day, but feels lucky to be able to continue his legacy of helping others. Nick has been actively involved in several projects funded by the foundation, including building an outdoor STEM classroom for his Eagle Scout project and leading a Maker Space design committee for the YMCA. View Nick’s resume.

  • Kaelyn Dessena Willcox

    Co-Founder/Secretary.

    Kaelyn holds a degree in communications and graphic design from Syracuse University. She is a freelance graphic designer and is married to her high school sweetheart, Matt Willcox. They have a 2 year old daughter and a golden doodle named Winnie. Dave was her step-dad and she is honored to help carry out his legacy of giving. Kaelyn designed our logo using Dave’s actual signature. It reminds us that he is with us every step of this journey.