Harry Carl Gregor, Jr.

Harry Carl Gregor, 92, passed away on August 26, 2022. He was born in Staten Island, NY on September 28, 1929. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Jeanette, his son, Harry, and his sister, Carol. He is survived by two sons, Steven and Victor and wife Hiroe; five grandchildren, Jeanette, Max, Steven and wife Margaret, Kevin and Michelle; and three great-grandchildren, Harrison, Aurora and Miles. Harry graduated from Curtis High School and lived in Staten Island and New Jersey for 44 years before moving to Greenbriar in New Bern in 1992.

Harry was outgoing, active and enthusiastic, working at New York Telephone for 39 years in many management assignments throughout all five boroughs of New York City. His role in community affairs led him to be the Director of Economic Development for Richmond County and the Vice President of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. He held leadership roles in numerous organizations that benefitted many, including the Staten Island Cancer Society, Staten Island Red Cross, United Way of Staten Island, the Salvation Army and Boy Scouts of America, earning such accolades as 1986 American Cancer Society and Red Cross “Man of the Year,” the 1980 YMCA Service to Youth award, and one of the Boy Scouts’ highest honors, “The Silver Beaver.” Harry was a member of Tompkins Lodge 471, Staten Island, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite, New Bern, and an Army National Guard veteran who served eight years, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. One of his proudest accomplishments was the bachelor’s degree he received from Thomas Edison College at the age of 45. He also worked extensively with St. John’s University, where he was Chairman of the St. John’s University Support and Development Committee of Staten Island, a member of the Presidents University Council, and was honored with the Presidents Medal, the Gold Medal and the honorary degree of Doctor of Commercial Science. After retirement, Harry stayed active as Director of Public Affairs for the Staten Island Cable Company, and later Director of Development for Staten Island University Hospital.

Ever an avid golfer, Harry joined The Emerald Golf Club upon moving to New Bern and was Co-Chairman of the American Cancer Society Golf Outing for five years. Harry and his wife Jeannette served for seven years as Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause for the Fund for Needy Children.

Harry was a charismatic entertainer who could make anyone laugh. He and Jeanette enjoyed many longstanding friendships through golf, bridge and countless dinner parties while they were not traveling throughout Europe or frequenting Bermuda. He was an amateur photographer and picture framer, and his work at many local events was published in the Greenbrier Gazette.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741. Online condolences may be made to the Gregor family through Cotton Funeral Home at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.