Donald Joseph Gregory

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UNITED STATES NAVY VETERAN

Donald J. Gregory (February 15, 1933-February 22, 2021)

Don was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Charles and Marie Gregory, along with older sister Ruth and younger brother Charles (Clare). His childhood was spent in the idyllic Greenhills neighborhood where he developed a pride for his city and its' midwestern values. While he left for a brief time to join the Navy and enjoy the sunshine of Coronado, California, Don would return to his hometown with his loving spouse, Flo, to grow and raise his family in Cincinnati. Don and Flo demonstrated a true love that was inspiring for anyone to witness-- they left this world within 9 days of one another, forever staying together side by side.

As a young boy, he developed a love of baseball and was often seen on his bike peddling to the next game. His talent on the field was impressive enough to earn him a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field, playing alongside local talents including Hall-of-Famer Jim Bunning.

As a staunch patriot, Don decided to join the Navy during the Korean War where he served as an aircraft and radio electronics technician. After basic training, he enjoyed playing his beloved baseball and competing on the Navy Admirals team. It was during a game that he would catch the eye of a Swedish girl from Minnesota, who would be the love of his life! Don and Flo would be happily married for over 65 years. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Don was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Don became the first person in his family to secure a college degree while working full-time with a house full of young children. His career included working at Convair Astronautics on the Atlas Missile, followed by 35 years at General Electric working on Aircraft Engines in Engineering and Manufacturing Technology. He received his MBA from Xavier University, teaching 10 years in the MBA night program. After retiring from GE, Don started a successful production control consulting group, Gregory and Associates.

As a teacher, colleague, father, and husband, Don demonstrated strength, responsibility, hard work, and loyalty. He was a devout Catholic with a strong faith, never missing service on Sundays. Don was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 13608, St. John the Evangelist. He always carried values of patriotism, integrity, and emphasized the importance of "being on time." With the blessing of a wonderful wife, Don raised a beautiful family of four children; son Don (Diana) and daughters Susan (Jim) LeGates, Lisa (Jeff) Strine and Laurie (Seth) Harris.
Don was also known as the 'best Papa by par,' as the devoted grandfather of 13; Dan, Kaleigh (Chas), Lindsay, David, Michael, Ryan, Kristina (Wilson), Gregory, Jason, Kodie, Cole, Skylar and Luke, and great-grandfather of two, Liam and Parker. He was always in the stands for their events, and together with Flo, was always their biggest fan. His love for his family, sports, and games never wavered. He prided himself on staying fit and shot his age in golf several times, saying "that's the only thing that is getting easier as I get older."

In his final inning, Don was diagnosed with ALS- Lou Gehrig's disease. And like Gehrig, he faced it with dignity and courage, aided by his Catholic faith and the support of his family and considered himself "The Luckiest Man".

Memorials may be made in honor of Don to Ohio Health Hospice or the ALS Association.

As the old Red's broadcaster Joe Nuxhall used to say he is rounding third and headed for home " knowing that he was greatly loved by many and an inspiration for all.