Blessed with what many call natural athletic ability, Roscoe decided not to participate in any of the town’s well-run sport leagues.  His focus was on just one thing…the third Saturday of April; opening day of the fishing season.  Seven days a week, he could be seen walking the banks of the Connecticut River, looking for that perfect spot. Many of the people he met during that time have become lifelong friends, and refer to him as the “fishing legend” from Windsor Locks.

Once Roscoe entered high school, his focus changed just a bit. During his sophomore year, at the urging of family and friends, he decided to join the school’s cross country team, and, under the tutelage of coach Peter Sarant, “ran” himself right into the record books. In his junior year, Roscoe and his teammates established a school record in the 880 yard relays, and as a senior, he set individual records in the 880 yard and 2 mile runs.

His proudest moment, however, was when, as co-captain, he helped Windsor Locks win the Class B Indoor state championship.  After winning the 600 yard dash, Roscoe, running anchor, secured the victory with a second place finish in the 880 yard relays. Coach Sarant had high praise, calling Roscoe a “second coach, role model, and true team leader.”

After graduation, Roscoe opted to forego college, and enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed at Fort Nellis in Nevada. Twelve months later, he was sent overseas, and spent one year in Thailand before returning to Fort Nellis, where he met and married, Mary, his wife of 46 years. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Roscoe and his wife moved to Connecticut, where they stayed until his retirement from Pratt & Whitney in 2005. In July of that year, the Gray family moved to their current residence in Kingman, Arizona. They have two children and five grandchildren and have been raising their two oldest granddaughters for the past 14 years.

Since moving to Arizona, Roscoe has volunteered his time at the Kingman K-12 grammar school, tutoring students in all subjects, with emphasis on math. Last year, he was honored by the school when he was named Volunteer of the Year, an award he certainly deserves.

With his induction into the Windsor Locks Hall of Fame, Roscoe will add yet another well-deserved award.