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Gregory Ladd Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Ladd
David Ensley
September 22, 2019
I left northwest Indiana 30 years ago. Recently my son joined show choir at his high school. He wondered why he had such interest and that reminded me of the great time that I had in two productions with Greg.
He was a great director and great man I was happy to have met. Its great to see how many other people's lives he touched.
I wish I had gotten back to see him before his passing. And I wish I had known of his passing sooner so I could have paid respects to his family.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
maureen alongi
January 4, 2008
i didn't know Greg through any theater as most people who signed this book. i first met him at a retail store i worked at in Highland. he came in frequently & always amused me with his stories & joking around. he had such a sense of humor! after i left the retail store i then ran into him while i volunteered at Paws Resale Shop where he would come in & purchase religious items we held for just him. then one day he came into my new place of employment & we laughed that he was following me around! the point to all this is he impressed people with his humor in just the everyday things he did. i think that says alot--that he left that kind of impression on just a clerk in a store! i will really miss kidding around with him and he always had good stories about his Polish side of the family & how they celebrate holidays & funerals. I'm sad today when i read his memorial.
Mary Harrell
January 3, 2008
Dear Friend,
You will be sadly missed. Remembering all the beautiful cards, lunches, and long telephone conversations with lots of humorous jokes and laughs, along with our lovely gift exchanges... what wonderful memories you brought me over the last 25 years.
Sadly, there will be no more phone calls, no more jokes or hours of laughs with you but our years of friendship will be fondly remembered and you will be thought of often.
Gregg, you know if AT & T had long distance to Heaven, I would gladly pay the bill to hear your voice again. Knowing us, we'd still be talking!
Marie (Lounges) Dobrowolski
January 3, 2008
My prayers go out to Greg. He left a deep impression in all he met. I'll always remember his sincere and friendly personality from 8th grade at Our Lady of Grace through the years at Highland High School -Class of 1965.
Pat (Angell) Jarvi
January 2, 2008
My deepest sympathy, Greg was a very talented friend from Highland High School Class of 1965.
Robert Glanowski
December 30, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Ladd family. Unfortunately Greg and I had no contact for many years; which I deeply regret. There is nothing I can say that has not already been said in previous Guest Book entries. Greg left his mark on all of us. I remember those days at Hammond Tech as one of the best times of my life. Thanks Greg.
Robert Hidalgo
December 24, 2007
My condolences to the Ladd family for the eternal repose of their beloved brother, Gregg.
My condolences to the municipalities of Hammond, Whiting,
East Chicago, Munster, and Highland for the loss of Gregg's immense
talent and direction, inspiring and leading these communities into a
greater individual and communal self-actualization through
theatre and through university teaching.
My condolences to the Diocese of Gary because it lost Gregg, who
had the prime-time stamina to illuminate the Catholic heros who
further and who define our own human and Christian direction (Archbishop Fulton Sheen et al).
Lake County and Northwest Indiana lost one of their heroic driving
forces for a greater good. That was Gregg.
To best describe Gregg Ladd, I say he was a male "Auntie Mame."
He was everyone's friend, illuminator, and defender.
AND BOY, COULD HE KID AROUND!
Gregg was a driving force in the greater arts of Northwest Indiana and in the voting process for various Hollywood accolades.
He was a force to advance a greater understanding of the role of Mary, Jesus' Mom, through the World Apostolate of Fatima (Blue Army). And he was the mentor that I needed to coax me back to the university.
Thank you to Gregg, for a brilliant, powerful, illuminating, Hammond Technical Vocational High School theatre experience and formation from 1977 to 1981.
All I can think of saying to my dear teacher, mentor, director, fellow thespian and friend is "Bravo! Bravissimo! Your life was a job, a major role, and a spirit well done!" You uplift my soul.
To you goes my endless, standing ovation:
my hero and friend, Gregg Ladd.
Lisa DeNeal
December 21, 2007
I am sorry Gregg for finding out your transition too late. This sadly explains why I will not be receiving my annual religious Christmas card from you. Gregg was my journalism/communications professor from the time I started at CCSJ in 1986 until I pretty much graduated in 1991. From the moment I met him I knew he was a character to deal with and that is what I loved so much about him. I don't think I can put a number as to how many times I was called honey, baby, poo bear(lol)by him even after graduating. He would call on occasion about the articles I wrote and when we'd run into each other I was so happy to see him. He was a thoughtful, generous, sweet and kind soul with a great sense of humor. Every Christmas I would get a beautiful card and a personal note folded inside. I am going to miss getting my cards and notes Gregg...
I miss you and love you dearly, professor.
John Simmons
December 21, 2007
I was in shock today when I learned that Gregg passed away. My families’ sympathy goes out to his family; Gregg will be sorely missed by so many. He pulled me into the productions at Hammond Tech and I was in many of the production from 74-76. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and his complete love for theatre; he made it all fun, but yet made all of us reach deep down into our souls to perform at our bests. There is definitely a void in the theatrical world without Gregg. He was visionary in productions of Mame, M*A*S*H, and Godspell just to mention a few, at Tech. I am sorry that I did not keep in better contact over the years. He is at peace and I know that one day we all will see him again in the presence of our Lord, so to Gregg I say so long, because you know that we ‘only say good-bye to people we don’t want to see again’. Thanks for all you did for us at Tech.
Kenny Campbell
December 21, 2007
My Captian, My Captain, Our fearful trip is done...
Gregg changed my life. I grew up in the bowels of Hammond. Gregg showed me there was more to life than what I knew. He took me to plays at community theatres, he took a group of students to see the Opera Carmen at Indiana University and even helped me enroll in college when my parents would not. He was a friend, a mentor and an angel and he changed the course of my life. He taught me about "class" and he had tons of it. I talked to Gregg earlier this year, and he talked about getting the old crew together for a party.. he talked a mile a minute, I owe him the life I lead today, otherwise I could be working at some quickymart on Calumet Avenue never having a clue about art and culture. Dear Gregg, you will live on and when my children ask me how do I know about Barbra Streisand, or the opera Carmen, or the Glass Menagerie, or about nice ties and suit jackets, I will say it was because of you.
You will be missed, my friend.
PS Upon my HS graduation, Gregg gave me a bottle of Giverny cologne. It was the nicest present I recieved.
Evelyn Emery
December 13, 2007
It was a sad day to hear that Greg is no longer with us. He was a good friend in High School. I remember lots of laughs. I will look forward to laughing again with him in Heaven. But for now, he will be missed.
Karolyn (Shapiro) Raphael
December 13, 2007
Our prayers are with the Ladd family. Greg was instrumental in bringing so many people together and joy to so many. Some of my most cherished relationships developed while working on plays under his direction. His passion, creativity and vision will be missed.
Cindy Baumeyer (Novak)
December 13, 2007
Greg has been like a son to my Mom and a brother to my sisters and I - for over 40 years. His quick wit, generosity and love will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Jose Flores
December 13, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the Ladd family on the loss of Mr. Ladd. I was a student of his at Ivy Tech State College, EC 2004-05. I will always remember his love of theater and how he shared that love with us.Thank you for teaching me to be a more creative writer. You will be missed,
Mr. Ladd.
Teresa Poliquin (Gaura)
December 12, 2007
I'll always remember Gregg for his wonderful spirit and such a bright and great attitude. Never a dull moment with him! I just wish I could have been around longer to enjoy his company. Thanks for all the laughs- you will be missed deeply Gregg. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Ladd family.
Love,
Teresa and Chris
Naomi Gómez
December 12, 2007
Sidney Poitier in “To Sir with Love”, Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society”, Edward James Olmos in “Stand and Deliver”, Michelle Pfeifer in “Dangerous Minds”. All of these are portrayals of teachers that looked beyond the exteriors of their students and grasped at their interior potential. These mentors opened their students up to future possibilities they never thought obtainable, and stoked the fires of ambition and perseverance against all odds. I would like to add to this elite group Mr. Gregg Ladd in “The Tech Years 1973-1980”.
Gregg was the patriarch of the Tech Drama Family. There were times he pissed us off by making us dig deeper to reach our full potential, going off on how so many people were apathetic; content with doing much of nothing with their potential abilities. He also looked out for our spiritual needs (i.e., if a performance conflicted with religious obligations he always made sure we were afforded the opportunity to fulfill our obligations and go forward with our performance), before every performance we prayed; not a moment of silence, but real prayer.
Gregg also brought some of us out of our shells. He gave us opportunities that made our lives fuller and made each of us feel special whether you were on stage or behind the scenes, lead role or background. Each opening night he would present us each with a mum color coordinated with the show. He showed us the “finer things” of life associated with status and prestige (riding in the Fleetwood dressed up for a cast party), he also smoothed out some of the rough edges of our manners.
And then there’s the other side of the coin. During class we were told to think of a time we were extremely frightened. Gregg shared his frightening moment (getting tangled up in the laundry his mother was hanging to dry). He and some of the guys decorated the tree by the dock door by recycling the contents of the second semester “care packs”. And the times ten or more of us would pile into the Monte Carlo.
Our Sir and our Captain, you have left your imprint upon us.
God Love Ya!
Naomi (Lee) Gómez
P.S. I will do all I can to make sure the Canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen happens. I can't think of a better memorial for you.
Main Square Players "Joseph" 1983
December 12, 2007
Main Square Players "Godspell" 1983
Larry & Carol Lynn Brechner
December 12, 2007
It is both joy and sorrow we received the news of Gregg’s passing. The joy of course is he is finally at rest, and he is probably already planning a Ladd-Styled celebration inside the Pearly Gates. Our sorrow extends of course to Roger and his family at this difficult time, and to anyone who was touched at sometime by the flamboyant enchantment that Gregg brought to every endeavor. Also, the sorrow is for the loss to any of us who worked with Gregg in theater. His influence on the numerous people he touched with his theatrical magic, many who then went onto avocational or professional careers in theater, is a testament to his widespread legacy. Like the character "Mame," Gregg’s philosophy for daily life might be best summarized: “Life is a Banquet, and most poor [souls] are starving to death.” Rest in peace, dear thespian.
Nick Mantis
December 12, 2007
Greg.....I feel bad because I missed your call Nov. 8th and thought we would chat again. Many thanks for taking the time to share ideas together! You will live on in my memory. Nick
Karen (Kunkel) Young
December 12, 2007
My heartfelt condolences to the Ladd family. I knew Gregg for several years in the 80s & 90s both at Munster High School and the Main Square Players. I have always cherished those fun times in the theatre, and Gregg was a huge part of that. Thank you to Gregg who always celebrated people and had a passionate creative vision.
Pam Lieberenz(Novak)
December 12, 2007
I will always treasure the times of laughter Greg shared with our family. May he rest in peace.
Leo Garcia
December 11, 2007
Our prayers go out to the Ladd family at this time. Greg thank you for being a part of my high school years in Hammond Indiana.
Clark High School
Class of 1981
Laura & Allan Pitsic
December 11, 2007
To all of Gregg's family, our deepest sympathy. Our memories go back to our highschool days at HHS.
Rusty & Melissa Cherbak
December 11, 2007
We will always remember the Great Director of Our Main Square Theatre... My daughter & I had the privilege of working with Greg & He has left a lot of great memories & teachings with us both...What great memories, thanks for them all.
Nicholas Marmalejo
December 11, 2007
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Ladd family. Greg was such an energetic and youthful person with a deep and profound Catholic Faith and a fantastic sense of humor. Greg you shall ever remain in my thoughts and prayers as you take your place among the saints in Heaven. Thank you for being such a wonderful and great example. Pax Christi in saecula saculorum.
Marty (Martha) Stultz (Green)
December 11, 2007
My condolences to Mr. Ladd's family. Although I didn't participate in theatre arts at Hammond Tech, I wouldn't have missed any of his plays for the world! He was a great director and a pillar of the school community. He always inspired his students to live their dreams, to try new things, and live life with gusto! Bravo!
Ernestine Robinson
December 11, 2007
It is with great sadness that I learn of the lost of "Mr Ladd". You were a GREAT drama teacher and I know all your former students from Hammond Tech will greatly miss you. RIP!
Karen (Lukasik) Lauerman
December 11, 2007
My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Mr. Ladd's family. My love of theatre started with his production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Hammond Tech with the Hammond Youth Choir. To him, I was always the "little girl that played in the rain" in Brigadoon (no matter how old I was). I only wish he could have fulfilled his goal for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. I will hold my memories dear as he will be missed.
Midge (Sleeper) Kammer
December 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Gregory Joseph Ladd. I have thought about his friendship and the many ways he helped me over the years and I don't think I ever thanked him enough. God bless you, his family, and give you peace at this time. Know that he will always be with us.
JUDY MALERICH
December 11, 2007
ROGER, SUSAN, CAROL, JOE, AND ALL FAMILY MEMBERS: GREG'S AND YOUR KINDNESS AND HOSPITALITY DURING PAST HOLIDAYS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY OUR FAMILY. ACCEPT OUR PRAYERS FOR GREG AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS SORROWFUL TIME.
Sandi Norman
December 11, 2007
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I have very fond memeories of my drama days at Highland and many community theatres with Greg. He always could make us laugh!
Buddy Goettsch
December 11, 2007
Hopes and prayers of peace and strength to Gregg's family at this time. If it wasn't for Mr Ladd (as I always called him) I never would have been in theatre. I hadn't spoken with him in some time but the impact he had on my life in theatre remains. God Bless.
Cindy McCraw
December 11, 2007
My deepest sympathy to Gregg's family during this time. I will keep you in my prayers.
Robert Mecklin
December 11, 2007
Greg:
You will be sorely missed. I had Greg as an instructor in the Communications program at Calumet College from 1990-1994. The theater community in this area will also miss you as you were an intergral part of it.
Rob Mecklin
CCSJ
Class of 1994
Jon Hallingstad
December 11, 2007
My condolences to the Ladd family. Continued blessings for his work in initiating the cause for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. God willing, we will meet again in the heart of God. God love you!
René Anderson Gearman
December 10, 2007
My dear Gregg,
I will miss you so very much. Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for all of the wonderful productions in which I had the privilege of working with you. Thank you for all of the gut busting laughs we had along the way.
Martine Mason
December 10, 2007
My sympathy to Greg's family. What an positive impact he had on my life as my drama coach at Hammond Tech. As he would say to me, long live Poland!
Michael Zafran
December 10, 2007
It is a sad day for me and the arts to loose such a great director and friend. He inspired many young people to future their careers in music and acting. God bless him and his family at this sad time
Mark & Mimi Duray
December 10, 2007
Dearest Greg,
May our dear Lord and His Holy Mother welcome you with open arms.
My family will never forget you and all you have done for us. You were and are a great man and friend. We will miss you greatly here on earth ... but oh, what joy we will have in heaven when we meet again!
With great love,
The Mark S. Duray Family
kimberly (james) weidner
December 10, 2007
Greg was an energetic, exciting and great drama teacher. I loved working with him on "Jesus Christ Superstar" my freshman year of highschool, 1978 Hammond Tech.
He will be missed by many, as will his talent & love for theatre. My sympathy, thoughts & prayers go with his family & friends.
marilyn eberle
December 10, 2007
please except our sympathy. remember greg for his directing of plays and musicals in highland. marilyn eberle,pamela eberle buckley and her girls kelsey and erin.
Sondra Hinken
December 10, 2007
Dear family,
The death of Gregory leaves a hole in my heart. He was very dear to Larry and I and will be missed a lot by his many friends. We wish to offer our condolences.
Larry and Sondra Hinken
Jackie (Novak) Carden
December 10, 2007
Greg leaving us has left a void that will never again be filled.
Lori Novak
December 10, 2007
Greg,
Had I know Thanksgiving would be the last time I'd see you....
My family has great memories that will live on with us.
May you rest in peace.
Rachel Condron
December 10, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the family during this time. You are all in our prayers.
Shelley Crosby
December 9, 2007
Gregg was a very important part of my theatrical life. As a member of Main Square Players, Gregg taught us all a love for theater and theater family. His influence in my life and in my childrens lives will live on. My condolences to his family during this time of sorrow. I will always cherish the time we had together.
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