Leslie Pray

Leslie "Finn" Pray Jr., 63 of Springvale died recently at his home in Springvale.Mr. Pray was born on October 30, 1941 in Lewiston to Leslie and Ellen (Purington) Pray Sr. He was a 1961 graduate of Mechanic Falls High School. Finn served in the Navy during the Vietnam era aboard the U.S.S. Antietaun, one of the ships involved in the recovery on the space capsule for Project Mercury. He was later assigned to the First Marine Division in Okinawa. Following his enlistment in the Navy, he served for a time in the Merchant Marines.Mr. Pray was an avid sports fan, he especially loved watching his favorite teams, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 150 in Mechanic Falls and the Springvale Social Club where he enjoyed spending time with his many friends.Finn loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Family gatherings were always a very special time for him. He enjoyed going to his sister's house and feeding his two pet goats, Ube and Nube, and had a great love for music, especially jazz. Mr. Pray will be remembered for his outgoing and friendly spirit as well as his generosity toward all who knew him. Mr. Pray was predeceased by his parents and by one brother, James P. Melvin Jr.Surviving are his stepfather, James P. Melvin Sr. and his companion Lillian Purington of Mechanic Falls; three brothers, James B. and Suzanne Pray of Greene, William and Naomi Pray of Mechanic Falls, and David P. and Sharon Pray of Springvale; two sisters, Patrice A. and John Loughran of Springvale and Susan M. and Gene Fecteau of Windham; special friends, Roy and Jan Biardi and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.A memorial service and gathering will take place at the Springvale Social Club, located at 22 Bridge Street in Springvale, on Saturday, April 9, 2005 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Arrangements are through the Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home in Springvale. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.