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Lewis Gregory Pallas

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United States Naval Academy

Lewis Pallas Obituary

GREG PALLAS

On October 17, 2003, LEWIS GREGORY PALLAS, 51, died at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Pittsburgh. Greg battled a rare intestinal cancer called pseudo-myxoma peritonei (PMP) for the past three years.

Greg was born on June 27, 1952, in Los Angeles, CA. He is a graduate of the New York Military Academy and United States Naval Academy, Class of 1973, and served as a United States Naval Officer aboard the USS KITTY HAWK, US Pacific Fleet, and at the Pentagon.

Following his military service, Greg was employed for 18 years in the United States Senate as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to Senator J. James Exon of Nebraska. Upon Senator Exon's retirement in 1996, Greg was employed as Director, Congressional Liaison and Business Development at ITT Industries, Defense, McLean, VA.

Surviving is wife, Diane McRee of McLean and Woodstock, VA, and a cousin, Connie Traver, of San Diego, CA. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Woodstock, VA, the American Legion Post 199, the Military Order of the Carabao, US Navy Public Affairs Alumni Association, and the Navy League.

A memorial service and interment will be held on October 27, at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel. A luncheon/reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or PMP Pals, P.O. Box 6484, Salinas, CA, 93912, a support group, at www.pmppals.org, where he is featured under Pals/Profiles. For more information please call (202) 224-4623.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Pallas

Sponsored by Sheila Ball.

13 Entries

Arthur E. Norton

October 15, 2024

Greg Pallas was as quick and witty as anyone I have known. He was keenly observant and had a rapier wit, though he was serious when the occasion demanded. He was a top-flight, energetic, highly effective, and imaginative naval officer. I served with him in the Pentagon and enjoyed his animated, lively presence as a member of group beach house at Rehoboth, Delaware in 1976. In my nearly 26 years in "Uncle Sam's Boat Club" I never met a more rewarding and delightful fellow officer.

April 1, 2004

Milt Baker

October 23, 2003

Greg Pallas represented the best of the best--a bright, insightful, hardworking, fun-loving, and honorable guy who did his best no matter where he went, and whose lifetime is measured by the many good friends he leaves in his wake.

His legendary seasickness notwitstaning, as a junior officer Greg chose to go to sea as PAO aboard KITTY HAWK during the Vietnam years. And he did a masterful job, which I watched from some staff job or another in the far Pacific.

We became close friends when he was in Chinfo and I was summarily returned there for a tour of "Cooney Training," which the Chief of All Information determined I sorely needed. In those days in the mid-seventies Greg was masterful at mocking some of the idiocy around him and keeping us all laughing, yet getting his job done and making it look easy--and still maintaining the respect and affection of everyone up and down the line. He had "attitude" before it was popular do do so, and he was a natural communicator.

How he loved Chinese food! Some of our best evenings were over meals at Chinese restaurants, large and small. Judy and I will never forget the night his face turned firehouse red after he dove in and downed too much spicy-hot Szechwan food too fast. (Naturally, he put out the fire with another cold beer.)

Pallas was a genius, as Jim Exon and his colleagues on the Hill quickly recognized not long after Greg left the Navy. His time on the Hill was perhaps his best professionally, and he had the respect of all who knew him there.

Characteristically, Greg managed his terrible illness with intelligence, humor, and aplomb-- and always with concern for the other guy. If there was ever self-pity, which I seriously doubt, he kept it well hidden.

We've lost a good and honorable friend. What a hell of a loss.

Dawn LINDHURST

October 22, 2003

Dear Diane,

It's so hard to lose someone so young, so kind, so full of life. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with the two of you. Greg was always happy and had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by all! I know that the Lord will give you the strength necessary to get through these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Your friend,

Dawn

Donald Dvornik

October 22, 2003

Any Navy PAO who ever knew dynamic and intelligent Greg can tell you some wonderful stories. Generous to a fault he shared his living quarters in River House with me and my wife Susan over 20 years ago while we were looking for a place to stay after orders from Hawaii to the Pentagon. Outgoing, joyful and always ready for a good time he was a wonderful host and great entertainer, not to mention being one of the best young PAO's I have had the honor and pleasure of being associated with. We love you Greg. People like you only come along rarely in one's life. Keep smiling -- Heaven is lucky to have you.

Jon Oberg

October 22, 2003

Thanks to Greg Pallas for many years of great service to Nebraska. I would be in Annapolis Monday to pay my respects, but I will be in Lincoln. Condolences to Greg's family and many, many friends.

sylvia rosas

October 21, 2003

I never knew Greg personally but heard so much about him from my dear friend Deb Burnette that I felt his passing as something of my own. Sending prayers and stars to follow him on his quiet journey. My heartfelt prayers and wishes for peace and rest for his wife Diane and all his friends and loved ones. SR

Art Norton

October 21, 2003

Pallas: You made me laugh a thousand times. No, ten times that. You were a kingpin in our BOD group. I was always gone during the wildest times at Rehoboth (1976) but you were in the middle of it, somehow. You taught me a lesson or two vis-a-vis women ... more on that later. Sorry you're gone, for now -- we'll all catch up with you. Take care of Uncle Dave in the meantime . . . he never forgave you for getting out, you know . . .and Betty Shirley. She loved you, Gray-egggg... as did we all.... Despite what they say, you are not going to be replaced . . . . .Thanks, buddy.

Norton

Jim Davidson

October 21, 2003

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Greg to cancer. He was a source of high energy and intelligence, which continually inspired all those around him. He was admired by all, and will be dearly missed.

Linda Cox

October 21, 2003

You will be sadly missed

Deborah Burnette

October 21, 2003

Greg was a dear friend and a steamer of great renown. As young officers at a military school in Indianapolis, Greg and a group of us wore the place out. He was a terrible dancer, but he never let that stop him. Fast-talking, quick-witted, and blessed with a generous heart and a great sardonic sense of humor, he was just the best. I am so sorry that we have lost him so early in life.

Bob and BJ Andrews

October 21, 2003

A brave man and good friend, born with the gift of laughter

Cindy Sumner

October 20, 2003

Dear Diane and Family:

My heart is broken to hear of the loss of dear sweet Greg. He was an incredibly nice man. He will be missed.

I will be there on Monday in Annapolis. Love, Cindy

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