Born in Manhattan, N.Y., he was the son of the late Joseph and Antonie Tryska Gajdostik. Mr. Gay was a graduate of Stuyvesant High School, Manhattan, N.Y., Fordham University and Columbia University. He managed Robert Hall Stores prior to receiving his master&squo;s degree.&bsp; He then was a school librarian in Lindenhurst and Bay Shore, N.Y.&bsp; Joseph came to North Carolina in 1989 from Long Island, N.Y. He was an avid tennis player.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Elinor Evans Gay; a son, Roger Evans (Lena) of New York City, a daughter, Alison Shanahan (Peter) of Columbus and a&bsp; sister, Marie Novy of upstate New York.&bsp; Also surviving are five beautiful granddaughters, Julia and Kristina Evans, Catherine, Emily, and Elizabeth Shanahan.

No local services are planned.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.