Joseph Michael "Mike" Gregory's Obituary
Gregory, J Michael, age 73, of Bellbrook, passed away Tuesday, January 25th, 2022 in Dayton.
Mike was born in Boston, Massachusetts n October 24, 1948. He had a mom who was an angel and a dad who (according to Mike) was not. Mike had a younger sister he loved. They all passed away years ago. He was academically gifted and decided his best way to get out of a complicated home situation was to do well in school and exit out of there as fast as possible. One of the greatest regrets of Mike’s life was that he did not remain close with his sister. His parents were both from large families, but for some reason Mike didn’t understand, his parents were estranged from them. Mike and his sister grew up quite isolated from the rest of their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Mike excelled in the academic world, eventually earning a master’s degree in Chemistry, of which he was understandably proud. Mike was able to discuss his thesis topic intelligently with anyone who asked, even in the last few months of his life. His employment career was varied. He was a chemist, middle school teacher (oh to have been a fly on the wall of that classroom!), Sears appliance salesman, and at one point worked at GE Capital in some capacity. Mike migrated to Dayton from Boston twenty years ago to take a job in the area. He plopped his boxes down in an apartment off Wilmington Pike, and barely unpacked as he didn’t expect to be there long. Twenty years later the boxes and he were in the same spot where they landed.
Mike valued his independence highly and was a person with grit, tenacity, and an impressive amount of intensity and focus. He had a stubborn spirit that kept him going through numerous challenges in life, probably beginning in childhood. He was fascinated by Myers-Briggs, and loved learning about his and others’ personality types. Those who got to know him found that underneath Mike’s sometimes grumpy and prickly exterior, he had a sweet way of connecting and a heart which could be tender, loving and grateful.
Mike loved the music of Bach. He had an affinity for animals and they for him. He was a talented tenor who enjoyed singing collaboratively as well as doing solo work. He often spoke fondly of his choral experiences in Boston, one of his favorites being Trinity Church in Copley Square. He was born and raised Catholic, but became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and sang in its wonderful choir when he moved to Dayton. In addition, he sang in the Bach Society of Dayton and off and on in several other Dayton church choirs. He loved to watch MSNBC; he always wanted all “the details.” He could work himself into a fury but didn't hold a grudge. He was authentic. He loved good food. He talked constantly.
The last year of his life was a doozy. Life-altering medical issues, an apartment fire, financial challenges: truly, he could not catch a break. In the end, however, he was surrounded by people who loved him, said prayers for him, sang to him as he entered into his blessed rest, and who will miss him. He was not alone.
As Mike makes himself at home in Heaven, he will undoubtedly have some suggestions and constructive criticism for the administration. His beautiful blue eyes will twinkle with both orneriness and humor, and the angels will fondly roll their eyes. He will most certainly, however, be ready to unpack his boxes and plan to stick around this time. There will be plenty of time to catch up with his sister, and to find and strengthen those relationships with family and friends he longed for and treasured.
Elizabeth Wareham and Julie Schrodi had the privilege of being his Honor Guard during Mike’s final chapter on Earth. There were others who reached out, stepped in or helped Mike during earlier times of loneliness and crises. While we may be unaware of all your names, you know who you are and we pray you will always have loving companionship during your darkest hours. We express our sincere thanks for the compassionate care he received at the friendly and clean Shiloh Springs Care Center. We will always be grateful for the world class medical treatment he received at Miami Valley Hospital. To Josh, his critical care nurse in Covid ICU: God’s light shone fair and clear through you in Mike’s final moments. Thank you.
Farewell for now, dear Mike. You are loved. A small service will be held to honor his life and memory. Details TBD.
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