Gregory "Grego" Stafford
October 31, 1960 - December 19, 2025
Gregory "Grego" Stafford passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Born on October 31, 1960, Grego grew up in South Bend and attended Riley High School. He later studied welding at Ivy Tech, building skills that shaped much of his working life. He worked at Firestone for many years before opening a shop of his own. Although Grego was a lifelong mechanic, he was also a people person with a charismatic personality. That ability to connect with others served him especially well in his role as Head of Security at The State Theatre and The Boat Club. He was always a mechanic on call, a friend in need, and there whenever anyone needed him.
Grego loved motors, machines, and the people who came with them. He was a member of the Tough Guy Minis Truck Club and spent time racing his dune buggy at Sodbusters and the Indiana State Dunes. He also worked on the #8 racecar at the South Bend Motor Speedway, where many weekends found him doing what he loved most. When he was not working or racing, he enjoyed time with his best friend Val and friends at Murphy's Bar.
He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Stafford; his sister, Sandra; his brothers, Jeff and Steve; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delores Stafford and Sam Stafford.
Grego's life will be honored with a Celebration of Life during the summer of 2026. Details will be shared by the family.
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