Dr. John J. & Mrs. Alice A. Gregory

1932 - 2026

Dr. John J. Gregory passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to the late Rose and Augusto Gregory in the beautiful Berkshire town of Lee Massachusetts, John was the beloved brother of Pasquale, Adelaide, and Anthony. The son of Italian immigrants who left their small hometowns to build a brighter future in America, John never forgot the roots from which he came. He carried a deep pride in his family's heritage throughout his life and delighted in passing along his love of Italian culture, food, traditions, and family values to his children and grandchildren. He shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Alice Gregory, whose love and partnership were the foundation of their family for many years. Their remarkable love story came full circle when, after a lifetime together, they passed away within 2 days of one another—a final testament to the deep and enduring bond they shared.

John was the cherished father of John (Anne), Maria (Chris), Christina (Fred), Peter (Cindy), and Sarah (Chris). He was a proud grandfather, doting on his thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as his devoted caregiver Mzia Ivaniashvili.

After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a standout fullback on the football team, John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. Through the GI Bill, he pursued his dream of becoming a physician, earning his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his residency and fellowship training at St. Vincent's Hospital, beginning a distinguished career that would leave an enduring mark on cardiovascular medicine.

Over the course of his long and storied medical career, Dr. Gregory became a pioneering leader in cardiology. He served as the Director of the state's first mobile intensive care unit, helping to transform the delivery of cardiovascular care throughout the state. His leadership extended beyond the hospital setting through his service with the American Heart Association, where he held leadership roles in the New Jersey Affiliate, and as the first Governor for New Jersey chapter of the American College of Cardiology.

At Overlook Hospital, Dr. Gregory held numerous leadership positions, including Chief of the Cardiopulmonary Department, Director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory, Chair of the Bioethics Committee, and Vice President of Medical Affairs. He then went on to lead and grow the hospital’s Palliative Care Service. Throughout his career, he was admired not only for his clinical expertise and visionary leadership but also for his unwavering commitment to his patients, colleagues, and community.

John was truly a Renaissance man. His interests and talents extended far beyond medicine. He found great joy in fishing, opera, gardening, cooking, tennis, and golf. He was a lifelong and devoted fan of the New York Giants and lovingly tolerated his wife Alice's steadfast support of the Boston Red Sox, her adopted team of choice. Whether tending his garden, preparing a meal for family and friends, attending his annual fishing trip to Canada with his children and grandchildren, or watching his favorite sport, he approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and gratitude.

Those who knew John will remember his intellect, kindness, humility, and sense of humor. He led by example, demonstrating that professional excellence and deep devotion to family are not mutually exclusive but can enrich one another. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched as a physician, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Mrs. Alice Ann Gregory

1936 - 2026

Mrs. Alice Ann Gregory passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family. Alice shared an enduring and devoted marriage with her beloved husband, Dr. John Gregory, for more than 60 years. Their remarkable love story came full circle when, after a lifetime together, they passed away within 2 days of one another—a final testament to the deep and enduring bond they shared.

Alice was born in Marshall, Missouri, to the late Frances and John Barr, the sixth of seven children. She shared a special bond with her siblings—Clarence, John, Mary, Norma, Wanda, and Donna—whose extended family affectionately referred to them as the “Magnificent Seven.” The love, laughter, and strength of that family remained a defining part of Alice’s life.

Together, John and Alice built a family that was the center of her world: John (Anne), Maria (Chris), Christina (Fred), Peter (Cindy), and Sarah (Chris). Although Alice spent many years as a compassionate nurse before raising her family, her most cherished role was that of mother. She took even greater joy in being “Grandma” and “Neenie” to her thirteen grandchildren and treasured the arrival of her great-grandchild—fulfilling what she often described as the top item on her bucket list. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who love her dearly, as well as her devoted caregiver Mzia Ivaniashvili.

While Alice devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, she never stopped answering her calling to serve others. She volunteered in countless ways throughout her life, helping in her children's schools, serving through her church’s programs for the homeless, and dedicating many years as a volunteer for home hospice care. Though she was no longer providing bedside nursing, she offered something equally valuable: comfort, wisdom, friendship, and a calming presence to countless patients and families during their most difficult moments.

Alice’s generosity extended far beyond formal service. She created a home that was always open, welcoming, and full of life. To many of her children's friends, she became a second mother—someone who made everyone feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her kitchen was often the heart of the gathering place, filled with the aroma of good food, the sound of music, and the warmth of laughter. Whether quietly humming or playing music as she worked (often “Sweet Baby” James Taylor), Alice created an atmosphere that invited people to stay, connect, and feel at home.

Her kindness knew no boundaries. Friends and neighbors sought out Alice and John for advice, encouragement, friendship, and, at times, even a place to stay. Alice welcomed everyone equally and made each person feel important. She never met a stranger—not because strangers did not exist, but because people were immediately drawn to her warmth, genuine interest in others, and remarkable ability to listen. She had a gift for making people feel heard and understood.

Alice’s life was defined not by accolades or accomplishments, but by the countless acts of kindness she bestowed on others every day. She led by example, teaching those around her the importance of compassion, generosity, humility, and faith. While she was known for her warmth and gentle spirit, those closest to her also knew and ]oooloved her wicked sense of humor. She delighted in making her children and grandchildren laugh, and never lost her zest for life. One favorite family memory is of Alice staying up until nearly 3:00 a.m. to watch a 17-inning Red Sox game that began when she was 82 and ended on her 83rd birthday—a testament to her loyalty, determination, and playful spirit. Her laughter—and her ability to bring joy to others—was as much a part of her legacy as her compassion and generosity.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family, friends, and the many lives she touched. Alice was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, nurse, and servant to others. Importantly, any description of her life and legacy would be incomplete without mention of her devotion to the Boston Red Sox, her adopted baseball team to whom she was loyal for over 20 years. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 294 S Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 07871, US, on July 20, 2026 at 11am.

The family requests that a new flowers, contributions in their memory be made to The Overlook Foundation or Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice by clicking one of the links below.