Gregory Darius

Gregory Darius was born at Elizabeth General Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 20, 1974. Gregory was an inquisitive and intelligent child; from a young age he enjoyed sports, politics and music. Gregory was very talkative and easily made friends. He went to St. Joseph The Carpenter school followed by Roselle Catholic and Abraham Clark for high school. Gregory valued education, enjoyed school, and even kept in contact with his teachers many years after graduation.

Gregory graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s degree in Journalism. Shortly thereafter, he landed an internship at Roc-A-Fella Records where he often bumped elbows with upcoming artists including Jay-Z. Greg dreamed of becoming a music executive, so this role was ideal. His impactful ideas set him apart from his peers and he forged many powerful relationships. From an early age, he recorded music from the radio and eventually amassed a huge music collection. His friends often marveled that he was a walking “Rap Encyclopedia”. However, his taste in music was vast and also included konpa, reggae, pop, house, alternative and rock. He reported on new album releases and often debated with family and friends about which was the best, earning him the nicknames “G-man” and “P-Doc the General”.

Gregory enjoyed most sports including baseball (Yankees), basketball (Knicks), football (Giants), college football (USC) and hockey (New York Rangers). If you ever spoke up against the team he was rooting for, a debate was sure to ensue. He was passionate and opinionated, and never minced words on the current topic of discussion.

Across his many circles, perhaps Greg is best known for being a great friend. He maintained friendships from as far back as kindergarten and elementary school. He was social, had many friends, but was also very private and most enjoyed intimate moments with loved ones. Greg was a bona fide “night owl”, often spending hours on the phone counseling, debating or just laughing with others late into the night. Everyone enjoyed his wit, his seemingly endless knowledge base and the giggle he would emit when he felt he stumped you on a topic.

Gregory was an ambassador for his hometown of Roselle. He championed where he was from and embraced its people. If you bumped into Greg in town, he was genuinely concerned about your family and your well-being. Even in the workplace, whether it was at the bank or United Airlines, Greg fostered meaningful friendships and his co-workers enjoyed being around him. He had the ability to make everyone feel special, and was indirectly or directly responsible for many positive moments in others’ lives.

Love of family and culture were of utmost importance to Gregory. He took great pride in taking care of his mother Marie “the apple of his eye” and his niece Indeyah, who he helped raise as his own and poured into her completely. Greg was intentional about planning family reunions, as he felt it was important for his family members to stay connected. He loved Haitian culture and often educated others on its revolutionary history and international legacy. Greg especially loved Haitian food; his mother, aunts and other family members knew that was the way to his heart.

Gregory went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2021. He lived on his own terms and transitioned courageously. He is survived by his mother Marie Yolaine “Choune” Darius, sister Vaiolene Darius, niece Indeyah Skye Hester and countless loving family members and friends who cherish his memory.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

Visiting 9:00 am until time of mass at St. Joseph RC Church, Roselle at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Rahway Cemetery.