Gregory Shayne Leighton Sr.

Father. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Marine.

Gregory Shayne Leighton Sr. was known throughout his life as warm, caring, compassionate, and steadfast in his love and respect for his family and fellow neighbors. Always ready to lend an ear to anyone’s problems and eager to help whenever he could, Greg had the uncanny ability to be ready with a quick joke or some sneaky way to get a smile from even the most stoic stranger. His kindness was derived from empathy and a genuine love of family and community, which built strong, lasting bonds with family and friends over his life.

Born to Charles Holcombe Leighton and Ann Marie Vito Leighton on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1949, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, Greg’s birthday truly marked a life blessed with love that he shared with others. Greg grew up in a happy home as the youngest of five siblings: Hokie, Jack, Terry, Denny, and Valerie.

Gregory attended grade school in Bristol Township, where he became lifelong best friends with Irving Ashwell. After completing high school at Delhaas High School, Greg enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968, where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune and served his country for six years, earning the rank of corporal.

After being discharged, Greg returned to Bristol and began working at U.S. Steel, where he happily spent his time after hours with his friends—going to the Jersey Shore, driving his latest Corvette, visiting clubs, traveling, and enjoying life.

In 1981, Greg met and married Ann Marie Barbagallo, and they shared most of their life in Bristol and Croydon, raising their son, Gregory Shayne Leighton Jr., with being a father and family man as his favorite role. He was a dedicated father who always worked hard without complaint, providing the best possible life for his family with a beautiful home, a strong education, trips and vacations, and encouragement of curiosity and creativity in his son.

Greg always wanted to retire somewhere warm and near the ocean. He worked hard for that wish and retired to a beautiful home near Holden Beach, North Carolina, where he dedicated time to meticulously maintaining his home and garden, researching the family tree, taking walks on the beach, and enjoying a blissful retirement.

He continued to maintain family connections and friendships with frequent trips and surprise visits between North Carolina and Pennsylvania, always keeping his home open and ready to entertain guests at a moment’s notice.

He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 9, 2026, at the age of 76.

He was a fan of fast muscle cars, cinema, gardening, volunteering, sketching, goofing around with his friends, and spending time with his family. A die-hard Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers trifecta fan, a proud supporter of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a later-in-life convert to the North Carolina State Wolfpack, everything about Greg was earnest and honest, and that showed in the things that he loved.

Above all, he was a talker and a storyteller, spending his time sharing those interests and moments with the people he loved most.

Greg is survived by his son, Gregory Shayne Leighton Jr., and his wife, Victoria Valerio; his sister, Valerie; his older brother, Hokie; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, best friends, good friends, old friends, new friends, and acquaintances. Everyone who met Greg would tell you that he made their day just a bit brighter with the light and warmth of a soul that knew no hate—only love.

A memorial service will be held on January 30, 2026, at Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd, Richboro, PA 18954. Interment will follow at Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate and dedicated in honor and memory of Gregory Shayne Leighton Sr.

White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mr. Leighton.