He served as a corporal in the Army of Occupation in Japan in 1948 and was discharged in 1950, subsequently serving in the Army Reserves until 1960, when he was discharged as a Second Lieutenant.
Following his military service, Robert attended State University of New York at Oswego, graduating in 1956. He then attended Syracuse University nights to study the Russian language. In 1960, he was one of 25 students nationally selected for a full scholarship to participate in a Russian language program at Indiana University. During this period, Robert traveled to the Soviet Union for 6 weeks as a member of this program to expand his expertise in Russian.
After earning his Masters degree at Indiana University, Robert taught Russian at the Marcellus Central School District. In 1966, he was offered a position as a medical training program writer at Bristol Laboratories in Syracuse. He left Bristol Labs in 1973 and founded his own company, Ximed Research, Inc., which created pharmaceutical sales training programs, specializing in oncology. Robert retired in 1995 and enjoyed traveling, boating on Skaneateles Lake, gardening, playing piano and studying history. He was an avid reader, with a particular fascination with world history and the life of Winston Churchill.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Lillian; his four sons Mark (Sheryl) of Boca Raton, FL, Gregory (Maria) of Skaneateles, NY, Christopher (Daniella) of Owasco, NY, and James (Kristen) of Skaneateles, NY; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Services are Private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Matthew House, Inc. 43 Metcalf Drive Auburn NY 13021.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.