William Gerard Gregg

GREGG, William Gerard, 82, died March 29, 2009. Better known as "Bill," he was a familiar personality at the Silver Oaks Community in Zephyrhills. Bill was known for his good humor and positive outlook on life. He always extended a warm hello and gracious welcome to the people who entered his life. He demonstrated great inner strength and an unwavering faith in God as he faced death, using his sharp subtle humor to help family and caregivers through this difficult time. He provided an outstanding example of personal courage for his family and friends, who will remember him with love and happiness. Bill graduated from Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx, N.Y. He then attended Manhattan College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served his country in France and Germany at the end of World War II. After the war, he returned to Manhattan College and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Bill then began a career with the Bendix Corporation as an aeronautical engineer. He married Joan Claire Toohey and they spent the next 46 years together. They enjoyed their love for each other while raising three sons. After the death of Joan in 1998, Bill moved to Zephyrhills, where he met and married the second love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Lusk Abernathy. During their 10 years of marriage, they shared their love, faith, families, friends and a passion for golf. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty; his sons and their wives, William and Lois, Steven and Paree; grandchildren, Linsey (David), Lauren, Spencer, and Miles; and great-granddaughter Paige. A son, David, and wife, Joan, preceded Bill in death. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. April 18 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zephyrhills. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Boulevard, Hudson, FL 34667-2460.