Charles Albert "Chick" Gregorski

Charles "Chick" Albert Gregorski, 75, of Moscow, passed away Monday morning at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The love of his life, his wife of 46 years, is the former Patricia "Pat" Shields.

Born in Scranton, he was the eldest son of the late Albert and Blanch Van Sickle-Gregorski. He was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, class of 1966. Chick was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, bravely serving his country on active duty 1966-1971 during the Vietnam War. He was later posted to Embassy duty in Saigon and stationed in Hong Kong.

Prior to retirement, Chick was a career commercial truck driver for over 30 years with Roadway Express, working out of both the Tannersville, Pa., and Bangor, Maine. terminals. Chick received many awards and accolades during his time with the company - including the Million Mile Safe Driving award twice in his career.

Chick valued his lifelong friendships. He enjoyed reminiscing, telling stories and listening to others. Chick never met a stranger, greeting anyone he met with a sturdy handshake and a loud, "Hey, buddy." He was never bored - you could always find him working in the yard, cleaning, organizing or washing his vehicles. An avid reader and lover of all genres of music, he amassed quite the collection of books and records in his lifetime. He always had a great time frequenting flea markets, auctions and Sam's Club with friends. Time spent with his family and, in particular, his grandson was always a highlight for Chick, whether it was exploring the woods, giving his grandson rides in his "buggy" or taking walks around his property, being outdoors with others, always put a smile on his face.

Also surviving are a daughter, Crystal Reese and her husband, Russell, of Allentown; a son, Mike Gregorski and his companion, Theresa Angelli, of Moscow; a grandson, the light of his life, Cooper Reese, of Allentown; sisters, Susan (Douglas) Chapman, of Lake Ariel; Kathy (Bob) Yedinak, of Hamlin; Mary (Duane) Owens, of Midlothian, Va.; and Diane Van Leuven, of Lake Ariel; brothers, Albert Gregorski, of Moscow; John (Ann) Gregorski, of Hamlin; and Robert (Tina) Gregorski, of Lake Ariel; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Gregorski, of Lake Ariel; many nieces and nephews; a beloved dog, Max.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Gregorski; sister-in-law, Anna Gregorski; brothers-in-law, Brian Van Leuven and Gordon Hettes.

Private cremation took place at the Lake Region Crematory in the James Wilson Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at noon, followed by military honors in the James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. The family asks that those attending please bring your favorite story or memory of Chick to share. Please come as you are, casual dress, as Chick would want you to be comfortable.

Private inurnment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

The family would like to thank Mike Murphy of the Philadelphia VA for his dedication, guidance and mercy shown. We would also like to thank the staff at the Community Living Center; hospice unit on the Wilkes-Barre VA campus for their steadfast care, kindness and compassion shown to Chick and his family. We are truly grateful for the time he was able to spend in your care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chick's memory may be made to: the Kindness Project, 4752 Mill Road, Emmaus, PA 18049; or your local VFW.

For directions, to share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.