Obituary of Charles A. Gregory

Charles Gregory, son of Lena Hosker (Hoskjaer of Danish descent) and Gilbert Gregory (Gregoire of French Canadian descent) was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on August 27, 1929 and passed away on July 22, 2011. Lena was a radiology nurse who passed before her children reached adulthood and Charlie always spoke of her with great affection. He was deaf from birth, possessed of a brilliant mind and attended the Beverly School for the Deaf. Despite being deaf, he loved to sing God Bless America. Charlie was also an excellent dancer. He and his first wife Joan loved to jitterbug. He was a natural athlete, excelling in gymnastics, swimming, skiing, and scuba diving. He was on the ski patrol at Mt. Greylock and also had a black belt in ju-jitsu. Charlie worked for Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Schenectady as a highly skilled welder for many years and enjoyed playing chess with his co-workers every day at lunch. He owned a glider plane and was very passionate about flying. He also enjoyed living on his sailboat in Cabo St. Lucas with his wife Jewel. After losing the boat to a hijacker, they returned to the United States, settling in Silver Spring, Maryland. Charlie worked for many years with his beloved brother, Roger. Charlie held several patents and specialized in inventions for the deaf, such as a light disguised in a planter that would flash when the doorbell rang. He was an accomplished artist, painting in oils and watercolors and drawing in pastels and charcoal; and sculpting in wood, as well as working with stained glass. Charlie had an inquisitive mind and loved to learn. He spent many happy hours at the Smithsonian museum in Washington, DC. Charlie was predeceased by his parents and siblings Sonny Gregory, beloved brother Roger Gregory, and beloved sister Janice Gregory. Also grandson Bradley Wilty. Charles is survived by his current wife Jewel Gearhardt Gregory of California, and his first wife and mother of his children, Joan Dott Gregory. Also survived by daughter Sally Longo, son Gene (Denise) Gregory, daughter Gail Wilty and daughter Jacqueline Leto. Also grandchildren Arnie Leto, Dylan Leto, Jared Leto, Mason Leto, Greg Wilty, Monica Wilty, Derek Wilty, Sara Longo, Christopher Gregory, Justin Gregory, Lane Gregory, Reed Gregory, Nicolette Gregory and Pierce Gregory. Also survived by brothers Eugene Gregory of Florida, Robert Gregory of Massachusetts, Ray Gregory and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be no services at Charles' request. His children plan a fall trip to North Truro, Cape Cod to scatter his ashes, where the family spent several happy summers camping. To light a candle, visit us at www.mevecfuneralhome.com.