Dr. John J. Gregory and Mrs. Alice A. Gregory

Dr. John J. Gregory passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to the late Rose and Augusto Gregory in the beautiful Berkshire town of Lee Massachusetts, John was the beloved brother of Pasquale, Adelaide, and Anthony. The son of Italian immigrants who left their small hometowns to build a brighter future in America, John never forgot the roots from which he came. He carried a deep pride in his family's heritage throughout his life and delighted in passing along his love of Italian culture, food, traditions, and family values to his children and grandchildren. He shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Alice Gregory, whose love and partnership were the foundation of their family for many years. Their remarkable love story came full circle when, after a lifetime together, they passed away within 2 days of one another—a final testament to the deep and enduring bond they shared.

John was the cherished father of John (Anne), Maria (Chris), Christina (Fred), Peter (Cindy), and Sarah (Chris). He was a proud grandfather, doting on his thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as his devoted caregiver Mzia Ivaniashvili.

After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a standout fullback on the football team, John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. Through the GI Bill, he pursued his dream of becoming a physician, earning his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his residency and fellowship training at St. Vincent's Hospital, beginning a distinguished career that would leave an enduring mark on cardiovascular medicine.

Over the course of his long and storied medical career, Dr. Gregory became a pioneering leader in cardiology. He served as the Director of the state's first mobile intensive care unit, helping to transform the delivery of cardiovascular care throughout the state. His leadership extended beyond the hospital setting through his service with the American Heart Association, where he held leadership roles in the New Jersey Affiliate, and as the first Governor for the New Jersey chapter of the American College of Cardiology.

At Overlook Hospital, Dr. Gregory held numerous leadership positions, including Chief of the Cardiopulmonary Department, Director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory, Chair of the Bioethics Committee, and Vice President of Medical Affairs. He then went on to lead and grow the hospital's Palliative Care Service. Throughout his career, he was admired not only for his clinical expertise and visionary leadership but also for his unwavering commitment to his patients, colleagues, and community.

John was truly a Renaissance man. His interests and talents extended far beyond medicine. He found great joy in fishing, opera, gardening, cooking, tennis, and golf. He was a lifelong and devoted fan of the New York Giants and lovingly tolerated his wife Alice's steadfast support of the Boston Red Sox, her adopted team of choice. Whether tending his garden, preparing a meal for family and friends, attending his annual fishing trip to Canada with his children and grandchildren, or watching his favorite sport, he approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and gratitude.

Those who knew John will remember his intellect, kindness, humility, and sense of humor. He led by example, demonstrating that professional excellence and deep devotion to family are not mutually exclusive but can enrich one another. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched as a physician, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Mrs. Alice Ann Gregory