Leo Anthony Gregory

Leo Anthony Gregory was born to Simon Gregory and Theresa Bristol on December 22, 1945. He was raised by Simon and Anne McNamara Gregory following Theresa’s early passing. He loved to joke about his Polish/Irish heritage, saying with a perpetual twinkle in his eye, “I’m a little confused, but I’m happy about it.” Married to his high school sweetheart, Mary Glor Gregory, for 47 years, he took great pride in his two sons, Matthew and Joshua, as well as their beautiful wives, Jill and Laurie, and of course, their dogs. Leo was also survived by his older brother, Simon Gregory and his younger brother, Thomas Gregory. Following four years active duty in the US Air Force while serving in the Philippines and Vietnam, he was a 35-year employee of General Motors in Tonawanda, NY. As an athlete, Leo completed many marathons and was an avid golfer and member of Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg, NY. He served as a Cub Scout Master, and an Elder, Deacon and choir tenor in the Presbyterian Church. Leo was a weaver, lover of dogs, babies and a good story, many of which he told about himself, making others laugh, cry and heal. By the grace of God and his beloved recovery fellowship, he maintained 40 years of continuous sobriety. He remained active in A.A. until his passing. Leo served alcoholics through his fellowship, prison inmates through the Kairos Prison Ministry, and special needs children through the Buddy Break program at Venice Presbyterian Church. He was an enthusiastic and outgoing lover of God, his family, people in general, and life. He will be missed by so many, including cousins, nieces, nephews and Aunt Dot. Leo’s life was too short but he leaves a legacy of service, love and laughter. A Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto., Venice, Florida 34285. Interment will be private for the family at Sarasota National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota, FL and Venice Presbyterian Church/Buddy Break, Venice, FL. Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements. Service Information Date: Thursday, September 22, 2016 Time: 10:00 am Venice Presbyterian Church Address: 111 Firenze Avenue E., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map