Dino Victor Dray

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dino Dray, who left us unexpectedly on June 16, 2024, at the age of 65.

Dino lived his entire life on Milwaukee’s East Side, where he felt most comfortable. In his youth, he took an active part in the growth of youth soccer that was spearheaded by his parents, part of the founding group of the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club. He was an accomplished player as a central defender, earning all-star and MPS All City recognition on multiple occasions.

Dino lived a life that was uncomplicated, which was his strong preference. He did not follow the typical path of those in the mainstream, leading his father to once describe him as “an enigma”. We have no doubt that Dino was perfectly fine with that label.

Dino’s introverted nature made him an observer and listener rather than a talker. He found joy in the simple pleasures, such as daily long walks along the Oak Leaf Trail and a cold beer or two in the evening. He followed current events and listened or watched people express strong opinions, but refrained from joining in the ranting that can so often accompany this. He followed the ups and downs of the local and state sports teams, too.

Though Dino kept to himself, he was always weaving his way among us and throughout the East Side community, carefully choosing his moments to engage, but more often merely observing. In recent years, he took on the lead role of supporting his mother, Louise, making sure she was safe, protected, and living as independently as possible as she dealt with being a widow for the past several years, and later as she experienced some challenging health problems before death in January 2024. We are extremely grateful to Dino for being present for her. This seemed to give him a sense of purpose, and her death might have affected him more than he let be known.

Dino is predeceased by his parents, Lew and Louise. He is survived by brothers, David (Diane) and Mark (Mary) Dray; nieces and nephews: Adriana, Vincent, Evan, Madeline; and great-nephew, Kyrie. Further survived by his uncle and aunt, Lorenzo (Carol) Draghicchio, and cousins, Steve (Ann) and Brian (Michelle) Draghicchio. There are other people that were extremely important in Dino’s life for many years that will miss him dearly. They know who they are.

Reflecting Dino’s personality, there will be no formal service. Those who knew him are encouraged to celebrate his life in their own quiet moments, recalling shared memories they had with him.