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Gregory Donley Obituary
Born: August 26, 1948
Died: June 21, 2020
Gregory John Donley, 71, of Ashburn, Virginia passed from this life in the arms of his beloved wife on June 21, 2020 after battling ALS. Gregg was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Howard Emory and Gabrielle McLeod Donley. Gregg is survived by his wife of 28 years, Julie (Weed) Donley, son Gregory Ryan (Julia) Donley, daughter Sara Elizabeth (Adam) Robinson and countless friends who loved and thought the world of him. Gregg and Julie had six grandchildren who loved him very much, Stephen Caeden and Gabriela Ryan Donley, Lily, Henry, Benjamin and Samuel Robinson. Gregg was as a great leader, a loyal and honest man who cared for and wanted to help everyone he met.
A "Celebration of Life" get together with friends and family will be announced in the future. Plans are in motion for some of his ashes to be launched into space, so he can dance amongst the stars for eternity.
In the meantime, please go to Gregg's online obituary on Colonial Funeral Home's website, www.colonialfuneralhome.com, for further information for donations and flowers, and to sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Donley
Sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg.
Ann Allan
July 12, 2024
Julie, so very sorry to hear of Gregg's passing. We both thought highly of Gregg and you and our many good times spent together in Albuquerque and Virginia. Love you, Ann and Tod Allan
Michael Nolan
March 1, 2024
I did not know Gregory but he was a 4th cousin (1x removed). I really sympathize with his immediate family in their loss. I have known more than 1 other person who lost a loved one to ALS. The suffering from ALS can be very extreme. I hope a cure is found soon.
Gregory's great grandfather, Michael Finn was a 2nd cousin of my grrandmother, Ellen Nolan (born Finn).
Alicia DiDomenicis
October 6, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jay Norman
August 31, 2021
Greg made the world a better place.
John Sununu
August 11, 2021
Gregg was a great colleague. We did business together, we laughed together, and we made fun of most of Washington DC together. Boy, do I miss you my friend !!
Mark Augenblick
August 11, 2021
Gregg was a law client and then a friend. He was very talented, yet down to earth. He was humble. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was able to separate the important from the unimportant. Gregg cared about people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We all miss him.
Suz Klyber
August 11, 2021
It was a true pleasure meeting and working with Gregg even in his time of illness he was thoughtful and loving. It was a joy helping him to adapt as he needed to both physically and emotionally.
Yusuf Abugideiri
August 10, 2021
Gregg had a way of making you feel special, just from the way he greeted you or started a conversation. I always felt taller after talking to him, a bit more confident.
I owe a lot of my growth to his mentorship - he asked tough questions and held me to a high standard, not unlike that to which he held himself. I'm grateful for his guidance.
I miss his laugh. I'm so glad I had the chance to know him.
Peggy Nixon
August 9, 2021
Gregg was a loyal friend to my husband Jay and myself. He belongs among the stars where we can see him glowing like the bright light he was while he was here on earth.
Steve Ockenden
August 9, 2021
Fare thee well, my friend.
Dan and Joyce Santiago
August 9, 2021
May the stars be your guide as you go on this magical journey. Wish we got to know you. We would have had a lot to talk about on anything Italian.
Gail Hart
August 9, 2021
May your star always shine on, Gregg.
David Vermeland
August 9, 2021
Good Luck Gregg in your celestial travels and eternal bliss.
Robert Sparrenberger
August 9, 2021
I’ll remember Greg and Julie coming in for their eye exams and the three of us laughing and sharing stories while trying to check their eyes. Greg had a great laugh and was a pleasure to chat with him once a year. I always enjoyed seeing them on my schedule because I knew it wouldn’t be work but fun to catch up with some long time patients. Greg will be sorely missed by myself and everyone who knew him.
Forrest Davis
July 20, 2021
Smart, personable, and very easy to follow. Watching Greg in the room was a lesson in leadership and an example I still seek to emulate.
Elissa Buie
October 10, 2020
I was blessed to know Gregg for decades. His calm demeanor combined with his depth of thought and sense of humor always made our meetings totally enjoyable. When I told him I was getting remarried he said, "If your second marriage is even half of what mine is, you'll be a very happy person." Miss you Gregg.
Amin
September 25, 2020
Mr. Donely,
It was a blessing that our paths' crossed. I was truly saddened to hear of your passing today. You and your wife were one of the most down to earth and kind people I have ever come across. Work was so much more tolerable with your jokes and encouragement. You always found a way to lighten the mood and make people around you laugh. I just wish I had the opportunity to show you what kind of man I've become and make you proud. Rest easy big guy!
Frank Austin
September 8, 2020
A fine man has passed and left many of us with hope and the inspiration to live a quality life with integrity.
Bernard Sutton
August 25, 2020
Mr. Donley,
I know you not want me on here crying. I can hear you now telling me to "man up" However I cant express enough how much I value and still value to this day our friendship. You helped me when no one else would. Gave me inspiration and hope for a better future. I'd love hearing all your stories and you still owe me a scotch. I know Mrs. Donley loves and misses you dearly. Please watch over her. And don't let me do anything stupid down here would ya!
Jim & Nancy Holt
August 22, 2020
We miss you, Gregg!
Bill Ahlberg
July 22, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Gregg's passing. I was proud to have had Gregg as a leader and a mentor; a man who could bring energy to an effort, and calm to a storm. Gregg believed in himself, and taught us to believe in ourselves. Please accept my sincerest wishes of condolence.
Susan Musgrave
July 20, 2020
This is a sad passing of a very interesting person. Gregg had a way of making thing happen in the business world and bringing together strong people, then let them do their best work. It was fun working with Gregg and he always shared credit and rewarded with kindness.
Casey Federovitch
July 8, 2020
I looked up to Mr. Gregg greatly and will miss him even more! He was always so full of humor and wisdom. I feel grateful for the chance to have known him and wouldnt have been able to accomplish the things I have without his or Miss Julies support. I hold the awesome memories made at the lake house in April of 2012 close to my heart. Little eagle, big eagle ❤ Love you, Miss Julie!
Charles Sheville
July 8, 2020
Gregg, God bless you on your travels to the stars! You were a wonderful friend and colleague. We will miss you!
V/R
Chevy, Tamara, and Patience Sh
Jamie Danielik
July 7, 2020
Although I hadn't seen Greg recently, my memories will be of him as a giant of a man, full of life and loyalty. He will be my friend forever. I will miss him dearly.
Scott, Lori,Shea Weed
July 6, 2020
Julie we are so saddened by Gregs passing.Words cannot express how I feel. The times spent with you both will never be forgotten.Think of you often. God bless.
scott dudley
July 6, 2020
I get to meet thousands of people because of my profession. Few, if any, did I enjoy my time with more, than Greg. Everyday as a dentist you look at your schedule and dread some of it, and plan to survive the rest of it. I always looked forward to seeing Greg because of the man he is. The Lou Gehrig speech photo will forever hang behind op #3 in our office. I will always think of Greg when I see it. My family is thinking of yours!
Janell Smith
July 6, 2020
I worked with Gregg on separate projects. He inspired not only me, but others with confidence to believe in what is possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
July 6, 2020
Judy and I saw Greggs obituary in the Post and remembered being at Wesleyan with him. Our sympathies are with you. Bobcats stick together!!
Tom and Judy Ryan
Jan Way
July 5, 2020
I received word a short time ago of your huge loss. Thinking of you and sending love
Laurie Whitmore
July 5, 2020
Julie - so sorry to hear about Gregg. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pam Durke-Sweeney
July 4, 2020
Julie, I am so very sorry to hear of Greggs passing. Its been years since weve connected, but I do think of you often.
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences.
Pam Durke-Sweeney
Amber Fredericksen
July 4, 2020
I worked with Gregg for several years. He was truly passionate about business. He seemed to know a lot of people and loved setting up meetings to discuss opportunities to work together. Gregg was such a kind man and will be missed very much. May he rest in peace.
N. Persaud
July 4, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family of Gregory Donley. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Psalm 94:17-19
General Peter J. Schoomaker, USA (Ret.)
July 3, 2020
Gregg was a great business battle buddy and friend for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with him, Julie and the entire family. May he rest in peace.
Don Englehardt
July 3, 2020
In the short time I had the pleasure of working with Gregg I learned so much and grew so much in business and understanding needs versus wants. He has made a lasting impression in my life both personally and in business. Thank you for the lessons I am eternally thankful.
John Lyon
July 3, 2020
Had the pleasure and honor to work with Greg over several years. It was always something to look forward to, as he had this uncanny knack for community leadership. He led with a soft touch, using humor and a positive tack for corporate and personal growth. Stories illustrating good paths forward helped show the way. He was a partner in solutions stemming from contributions from all involved. A best kind of leadership, now to live on in our memories.
Hellen Nuwagaba
July 3, 2020
Spending the last few days with you is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. Mr Donely your dearly missed i remember you asking me to read the daily devotions to you And that how could you know God loves you. That was very important i got a chance to make you believe the reality of Gods love. Rest in peace.
Steve Ockenden
July 3, 2020
I worked with Gregg for two years, and it was one of the most exciting and meaningful periods in my business career. Gregg brought to our organization every attribute we needed: energy, enthusiasm, vision, humor, and a commitment to making everyone feel empowered and important. He broke down barriers and gave everyone who worked for him the support and encouragement to reach beyond themselves. He was a great leader and, just as important, he became a great friend and mentor. Under his leadership, we not only did big things, but also had great fun and a sense of pride. I miss him.
Will Fork
July 3, 2020
I had the fortune to work with Gregg, a great and honest man who will be sorely missed. There are only a few bright stars like him.
Rock Reiser
July 2, 2020
A Light for your journey.
Sue Ellen Federovitch
July 1, 2020
Gregg was an incredibly special man. He cherished and cared for one of my best friends, his wife Julie, in the most tender and loving way. He always had time to give advice or work through any problem, personal or professional. I will always remember his smile and great sense of humor, even through his pain during the past few months. I learned something new or had something interesting to contemplate with every cup of coffee (or glass of wine) we shared. Gregg loved my children and never hesitated to share his wisdom with them, lend them a hand, or give them a hug. He was a faithful friend to my husband. Rest In Peace my sweet friend. Your sneaky smile and generous spirit will remain in my heart always. Touch the stars for me!
Rock Reiser
June 28, 2020
Gregg was a loyal and honest man. He cared for everyone he met. His last days no one should have had to endure, and at last, he is at peace in a tumultuous time. It is fitting that he should pass as a new world begins.
God Bless our friend and his family,
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