Stephen M. Gregory

Gregory, Stephen M. EAST GREENBUSH Stephen M. Gregory, 97, of East Greenbush and formerly of New York City and Bradenton, Fla., entered eternal life peacefully at Evergreen Commons on February 28, 2014. He was born in Blissville, son of Michael and Pauline (Mandryk) Gregory. He attended Bryant High School where he excelled in track and was offered a scholarship to Manhattan College. He also played the violin with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra. In his early years of high school, he became a ham radio operator, something he enjoyed throughout his entire life. His call letters are W2IFM and he was known as "The Iron Fireman." He took pride in the fact that he worked all countries and established many friendships. Instead of accepting a track scholarship to Manhattan College, he took the exam to be a firefighter for the city of New York, and on May 4, 1938 was appointed and served with honor. He became a lieutenant in 1963, and retired in 1973 after 35 years of service. He married the love of his life and best friend on June 16, 1940. Together they lived a storybook life! Upon his retirement from the fire department, Steve worked for the New York Yankees as manager of equipment for the umpires. During those years he and Helen spent many happy times with the Yankees organization. When anyone visited the Stadium, Steve "took care of them." He entertained presidents, actors, actresses, government and religious leaders and just plain "simple folk" showing them around the inner workings of the Stadium. Steve was always interested in serving others. He was active in many organizations. He was the founder-president and "president emeritus" of the Pulaski Association FDNY. He is past president of the Grand Councils of Pulaski Associations, city of New York, a member of the FDNY Holy Name Society, the Anchor Club, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, the Uniformed Fire Association and Retired Officers Association. He is also a life member and oldest member of the Clinton Heights Fire Company. Steve's faith was always the root of his life and he was very active in his lifelong parish of St. Raphael in Blissville. He was president and member of the Holy Name Society, founder of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, honorary Rosary-Altar Society member, parish trustee, eucharistic minister, lector, greeter, usher, member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, CYO baseball and basketball coach and a life member of the George W. Hudson Knights of Columbus. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of almost 74 years, Helen, whom until his last breath he always called "my bride" or "my sweetheart;" his sons, Stephen M. Jr., retired deputy commissioner fire communications, city of New York, the Rev. Kenneth W., chaplain, Albany Medical Center Hospital and sacramental minister at Our Lady of the Snow, Grafton/Berlin, and Joseph W., captain, Albany Fire Department; three grandsons, five great- grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of beloved friends. He will always be remembered for his loving heart and quick wit. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the entire staff of Evergreen Commons for their care and compassion. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the Rockefeller Funeral home, 165 Columbia Tpke., on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 4 until 7 p.m. A Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be concelebrated on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Clinton Heights with his son Ken as celebrant. Burial in the family plot will follow immediately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Brave Will Foundation," 371 Schaubel Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.