Dana was born on March 2, 1934 to the late Anne S. and Dana S. Bray, Sr. in Oakland, CA and grew up in Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from St. George's School in Middletown, RI in 1953 and from Yale University in 1957. In 1958 Dana married Marlyn J. Plude in New York City. They were married for 60 years before her passing in 2019.

Dana was a highly successful private business owner for over 50 years. This afforded him the opportunity to be generous to his family, friends, employees and community for many years. He owned a wholesale and retail fuel oil and gasoline business that he founded, operated, and employed a large number of dedicated people in many locations throughout upstate New York; including Glens Falls, Queensbury, Marcy, Utica, and Plattsburgh. As an extension of his existing home heating oil retail business he was able to launch a successful "convenience store" concept before the model existed.

Dana was also a race-winning thoroughbred horse owner and breeder. Dana joyously spent decades at Saratoga Race Course with family and friends. He owned many horses that raced at several tracks around the country. These races always provided exciting performances, yet the most thrilling victories were by "Johnny D." at the Washington D.C. International and Turf Classic, and by "Bury Your Belief" at the Kentucky Oaks. Dana loved horses, competitive horse racing and the entire equine ecosystem. This inspired him to build his own thoroughbred horse farm, Braywood Farms, where he foaled and raised thoroughbred horses on Bay Road in Queensbury NY. Dana spent many early mornings in the backstretch area at Saratoga, having breakfast with trainers and jockeys, watching workouts and reading the Daily Racing Form. He relished in all aspects of horse ownership and racing and respected everyone who cared for his horses. Dana treasured the time he spent in the backstretch area as much as he enjoyed the time he spent in his owner's box.

Dana was also an avid tennis player for much of his life. He truly enjoyed the game and the many cherished lifelong friendships that he developed while playing tennis and socializing around the game. He was a past president of the Glens Falls Tennis and Swim Club, and spent many weekends playing tennis, and/or sponsoring tournaments and round robins. If you were ever on the court with Dana you will remember his signature "onion" serve. Dana loved his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, cousins, nieces and nephews. Dana had several life long friends that he was fiercely devoted to.

Dana is preceded by his parents, Anne S. Bray and Dana S. Bray; his wife Marlyn; and his sons Timothy, Andrew, and Randolph.

Dana is survived by his son Christopher and his wife Kathleen and their three children Devon, Luke and Sophie; two daughter in-laws, Karen and her son Avery and Nancy and her three sons Spencer, Myles and Cameron; daughter Mia; sister Sally Caswell and her four children Laurie, Stephen, Wright, and Annie; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a private graveside service is being planned for the spring in Lake George, NY.

Donations in Dana Bray's memory may be made to The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 in the name of Marlyn and Dana S. Bray, Jr.