John was born on June 18, 1950 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was a graduate of St. Matthew’s elementary school, Brooklyn Prep High School, and St. Peter’s College, Jersey City. Growing up he was an altar server at St. Matthew’s church through high school. After moving to Newburgh in 1971 he became a member of Laborers Union Local 17 and worked for the union until his retirement .

John was a devout Catholic and kind member of his community of Meadow Hill. Just as he did when he was a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, he was known to go to his neighbors and clear out their driveways in snowstorms, a kind hearted man with a damaged heart. John enjoyed summer trips to Saratoga Racetrack and the Duchess County Fair and was always quick with a funny story or joke. He liked to laugh and loved animals, especially his two cats. He was a devoted uncle to his niece and nephew, Erin and Justin, who affectionately referred to him as “The Johnster”.

John was a devoted son, brother, husband, cousin and uncle. John is predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Margaret O’Pray, his sister Mary O’Pray and his wife Diane. He is survived by his sister Anne O’Pray-Stattel of New Jersey, his niece Erin O’Pray Stattel, Manhattan, his nephew Justin D. Stattel, New Jersey, his cousin Anne Marino (Dominic), Wallkill and his girlfriend, Annamarie Antonelli, Newburgh and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers please direct contributions to St. Patricks Roman Catholic Church, Newburgh specifically for Our Lady of the Lake Chapel, Orange Lake,Newburgh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 30, 2025 at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Church 433 S. Plank Rd. Newburgh, NY 12550.

Inurnment of his ashes will be held at a later date in Cedar Hill Mausoleum.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc. 39 Orchard Street, Walden, NY 12586 845-778-3811 gridleyhoran.com