New Britain herald., 1925-12-08
Served City For Many Years To Improve Conditions And Was Chairman of Health Board.
Leading Obstetrician, Re- gently Onficiated at 4,00Oth Birth-Active in Many Fields of En- deavOr.

Complications following an opera ton for appendicitis caused the death of Dr. Henry Tierney Bray this morning at 7:55 o'clock at the New Britain General hospital.
 Dr. Bray had for nearly A years been leader in local and state medical circles, was a member of many medical societies, was chair man of the board of health and is credited with being responsible for establishment of the present public health system here.
 Dr. Brays persistent fight over q period of many years was responsi- hle for the inauguration of a full time health superintendent office, now regarded as one of the most progressive steps the city has ever taken from a standpoint of public health and sanitation.
 Death Mourncd by Thousands
 His death today caused express sIons of genuine regret and grief not only among his fellow practi- tioners, among whom he was highly regarded and respected, but also among his patients. many of whom had at one time or another passed through periods of financial difficult ties and had good cause to know of his unheralded benefactions,
 Dr. Bray was a native of St. Johnsbury. Vt, the son of the lato William J. and Katherine Tierney Bray. He attended St. Joseph's Parochial school and High school at Hartford, then going to the Univer- sity of Vermont where he took a pre- medical course. He also re- ceived his degree in medicine at that college, In 1902 he came to New Britain.
 In HcaIth Work t7 Years
 Dr. Bray was not long in the city when he came 10 the fore as one of New Britain's leading practitioners. In 1908 he began his public health work accepting appointment as a member of the board of health and as part time superintendent of that department. He saw at once the desirability of esta ablishing the latter office on a ful-time basis and so recommended to the city govern ment. His recommendation was turned down in spite of a vigorous campaign to carry 1t through, Un- daunted, he came back time after time with a similar rcCommenda- tion and eventually he brought the city fathers to a realization of the importance of public health work administered by a full time official. .An appropriation was made in 1913 ami at the outset of the fiscal year IqIi-1qt5 the office was created.
 In the meantime Dr. Bray began 10 look about for a suitable physi- elan to justify his promises and ho succeeded in inducing Dr. T. Ehen Reoks to take up the work. This was the beginning of life long friendship between the two medical men. pr. Bray continued his serv- Ice as q commissioner of health un- til 1919 when he resigned.
 Back to Health Board
 At the urgings of Mayor A. NJ Paonessa, Dr. Bray returned 10 the board as it's chairman when Pao- nrssa assumed office in 1922. He vas rcappoin'ed in 1924. During the period that the city was with ont health officer, which followed the resignation Of Dr. Frederick P. ] ee, and during the absences of the present superintendent, Dr, Richard W. Puilcn on municipal business, Dr. Bray has acted as suporintend- ent. Although the work drew much of time from what was regarded as the widest practice in the city, Dr. Bray steadfastly refused 10 accept remuneration from the city.
 Leader in Smallpox Fight
 During the smallpox epidemic. pr. Bray worked tirelessly. IL was his suggestion, together with that of Dr. Pullen, which resulted in the establishment of an isolation hospi- tal on the town properties on Rocky Hin avenue and that building is now available for use should serious cpl dcmic again come up.
 He was also instrumental in hav- ing a municipal ahattoir built here and was also a pioneer in the move ment to have New Britain esta blish it's own health department lahora- tory. That feature of the local de- partment received the approval Of the state Of Connecticut several years ago and was listed ns dis '1ict laboratory for the purposes Of state health work.
 Long With Hospital
 Simultaneous with his entrance into public health work, Dr. Bray aagan his official connections with he New Britain General hospital, affiliations which he held up to the time Of his death. He was at one time president of the hospital staff.
 He became n member Of the medical staff in 1908. He retained this position and nt the time of his death was senior medical attending physician. being associated with Dr. G. H. Rodley. Dr. E. T. Fromen . who became a member Of the staff s.veral months prior 10 Dr. Rray is tha only person whose connections with the staff span a greater length