Br. Timothy Bray passed away on Nov. 5 and the Iona College community mourns the loss deeply. Bray was an integral member of the Iona Community, and his life and work had a profound impact on many.

Best known recently for his dedication to drug and alcohol counseling at Iona, Bray provided guidance to students about drug and alcohol use.

 “In his workshop at orientation, he gave me hope that I would be able to find friends in college who respected my choice to remain sober,” freshman Joanna Ziegelbauer said.

In addition to his work in the counseling center, Bray taught Mathematics. His teaching influence spans over several different cities and schools including St. Louis College in Victoria British Columbia, Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady,  Essex Catholic High School in Newark, Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island, St. Cecilia’s Grammar School in New York City and finally, Iona College.

Bray was a math teacher to Chair of the Physics Department Br. Robert Novak, who has fond memories in the classroom learning mathematics from him.

Bray brought excitement to every endeavor he participated in, and his math classes were no exception. He made a lasting impact on his students that aided them not only in mathematics but several other areas of life.

 “I often refer to that Math class. It was part of the foundation of my own lifetime scholarly pursuits,” Novak said.

Bray’s care for others is arguably his most distinguishable quality. “I feel honored to have known and worked with Br. Bray over the past 15 years or so,” Director of Campus Ministries Carl Procario-Foley said. “I knew him to be deeply passionate in his care for students and his determination to keep them safe and well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  His example as an inspired teacher and as a genuinely good human being is one I will certainly strive to emulate.  His passing is a great loss to all of us at Iona.”

As a Christian Brother, Bray dedicated his life to serving others. He was appointed Novice Master of the Eastern American Province, an important position to maintain.

His job was to direct the spiritual training of new religious and he did so with kindness, care and understanding. Bray’s profound impact on others is what sets him apart from most people.

“Whoever came in contact with him walked away as a better person,” Novak said.

“Being human, he had struggles. He took those struggles and converted them into strengths, and with those strengths, he was able to positively influence countless others,” Novak said. God gave all of us talents.  We do not always fulfill those talents. Br. Tim’s patience, his kindness, his firmness, and his persistence helped others in the pursuit of their own talents.”

Timothy Bray was and will continue to be a guiding force on campus. His outlook on life, willingness to help others, and vivacity serve as examples for the Iona College community to strive to emulate.

His funeral took place on Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church in New Rochelle, NY. College Chaplain Fr. Frank Dixon presided and preached at the funeral.

Novak gave the eulogy for Bray. Several people were in attendance to pay their respects to a wonderful man and share in remembering the outstanding life he led.