Gregory French Cresto

After graduating Marquette Academy high school in Ottawa, IL, Gregg proudly served his country in the military during the Vietnam War. After returning from the services, he worked at Ottawa White Truck Center for many years. He found the love of his life, Connie Pohar, and told his father that he was going to marry her before he even knew her name. They were married on August 2, 1969. Gregg and Connie had three beautiful children, son Heath, daughter Holli, and son Houston. Gregg went to DeVry Tech and received his associates degree. His daughter Holli has her master’s degree in healthcare management and is an Administrator/CEO of a local OB/GYN clinic. His son Houston has his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is an operations manager of a nationwide company. Gregg was always extremely proud of his children.

Gregg later moved on to Wadel’s Truck Center and become the Parts Manager in St. Charles, IL, where he got the reward of Parts Manager of the Year for the Midwest Region. In 1987, Gregg started to work for Freightliner in Chicago, IL. The family lived in Norway, IL for 23 years, during which time they had taken in thirty-three foster children in the span of three years making a significant impact on other’s lives and giving back to their community. Eventually, Freightliner moved the Cresto family to Oregon in 1991, where Gregg went on to build a successful career and made lifelong friends until his retirement.

Gregg was a man of many interests. He enjoyed building Legos, loved watching movies, and working on various woodworking projects. He was always the handyman of the house and loved to dance, until his body could no longer support the activity. He was also known for his playful teasing and gruff exterior, but on the inside was a well-loved teddy bear. He would often be referred to as the "favorite uncle" by his nieces and nephews and as a “second dad” to his children’s friends. Gregg was proud of his Italian heritage and claimed to have mafia ties. He loved his trucks, cars, and motorcycles and loved keeping up with others through Facebook (He was proud to be kicked off Facebook from time to time). His favorite color was red, and he loved to read.

Over the past four years, Gregg had many comorbidities, and the family felt every day was a gift. He always said he had four diseases that were trying to kill him. He said his faith in God is what got him through the roughest years with MGUS, Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, and Myelodysplasia inclusion body myosis (a muscle disease related to ALS). He even told the family he talked with God once when he had a heart attack and was almost lost to us. God came and visited him and asked him the most important commandment of the 10. Gregg said the 4th, “thou shall not kill”, and God said #1, “have no other Gods before me. I am the I am.” Then, he disappeared. Gregg’s love of Legos eventually became occupational therapy to help him as well. Right before Gregg passed, he looked at Connie, said “honey, I love you, but I’m done.” Then, the Lord took him home.

Gregg is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Connie, his loving children Holli (Ryan) Kivett and Houston Cresto, cherished grandchildren Haley and Riley Kivett, great-grandson Heath Kivett, sisters Pat Fitzgerald (Chicago, IL) and Jeanne Manfredini (Spring Valley, IL), brother Brad Cresto (Marseilles, IL), and his many dear friends. Gregg was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Mayme Cresto, eldest son Heath Cresto (deceased 1998), nephew Kevin Fitzgerald, and great-nephew Reece Cresto. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 13401 SW Benish St, Tigard, OR 97223, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST immediately followed by a catered buffet. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot join (click link under "Services"). If you would like to send flowers or digital donations, they can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Please feel welcome to share your condolences, warm memories, and cherished photos on this page to be viewed by Gregg's family and all who loved him.