William J. Grey, 59, psychotherapist
William J. Grey, 59, of West Philadelphia, a Center City psychotherapist, died Tuesday, July 26, from brain cancer at home.
William J. Grey, 59, of West Philadelphia, a Center City psychotherapist, died Tuesday, July 26, from brain cancer at home.
Dr. Grey endured his illness "with presence of mind, humor, and love," said his husband, Roderick MacNeil.
Dr. Grey was found to have brain cancer in February 2015. He received hospice care at home and was visited there by friends and family.
Born in Bronxville, N.Y., to Milton and Edna Grey, he grew up in Yonkers, N.Y. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he participated in musical and theatrical performances. Dr. Grey graduated from Cornell University in 1979 and moved to Philadelphia that year.
After completing a master's degree in counseling psychology from Temple University, Dr. Grey did further study with Gerald Lucas, founder of the Institute for Modern Psychoanalysis in Manhattan. Dr. Grey also studied at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis, and became a certified psychoanalyst.
Dr. Grey earned a doctorate in clinical psychology at Chestnut Hill College. He served as head of continuing education and dean of students at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis at 340 S. 16th St., where he also practiced.
In 1995, Dr. Grey accompanied a mutual friend to Thanksgiving dinner at MacNeil's home. The two became a couple and married in June 2015.
Dr. Grey was an avid gardener and practitioner of yoga. He enjoyed visiting gardens all over the world.
Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Dr. Grey participated in performances with the Cornell University Glee Club while in college. Later, he joined the Singing City choir, Opera Philadelphia Chorus, and the Philadelphia Singers Chorale and Cantores, a community choir conducted by his sister, Carol.
Dr. Grey had "a gorgeous smile and beautiful blue eyes," his husband said. "He [also] had an incredible sense of humor, a dry wit, and a perfect sense of timing."
Besides his husband and sister, Dr. Grey is survived by many cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Congregation Mishkan Shalom, 4101 Freeland Ave. Burial is Sunday, Aug. 7, in the family plot in Orleans, Mass.
Donations may be made to Congregation Mishkan Shalom: Site Stewards, 4101 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia 19128, or via www.mishkan.org. The fund pays for maintenance and beautification of the synagogue's grounds and gardens.
610-313-8102