Obituary of Richard T. Gregg

RICHARD T. GREGG , of Mahwah, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2013, at the age of 89 years. He was born in New York City on October 7, 1923 to Otis Tiffany Gregg and his wife Juliette (nee Kirker). He grew up in Hackensack, attending local schools before transferring to Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts, graduating with the class of 1941. He then attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology before enlisting in the Army and serving in the 771 Ordnance Company. His unit had the distinction of going the furthest into Germany. Known for his humor, while in the service, he invented soldier "J Cheever Loophole", whose only issued uniform was one helmet liner and 600 shoe laces. On return from the war, he graduated from MIT in 1947. He became active in the manufacture and sale of railway wagons throughout the world with the Gregg Company, Ltd., residing both in Belgium and the United States. He was active in the business service and temporary personnel business in Belgium. He was also involved with the International School of Belgium and St. Andrew's Church. On his return, he became active in the Van Ost Institute (now part of Vantage Healthcare). He was President of the US Chapter of the International Bond and Share Society (IBSS). He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack where he served in various capacities. He also was a member of American Clan Gregor Society (ACGS), and the Clan Gregor Society, Western, USA Chapter. He became Chairman of The Gregg Company, Ltd., of Hackensack, and traveled extensively to more than 78 countries (if they had a railroad, he probably was there). He particularly enjoyed vacation trips to Fiji, New Guinea, and Mongolia. Beloved brother of the late Mary (Frath) H. Elliott and her husband J. Frank III, and William K. Gregg. Dearest brother in law of Louise L. Gregg of Keene Valley, NY. Loving uncle of Susan Gregg of Mahwah, Juliette Latimer and her husband Richard of Ramsey, Janet DeBiasio and her husband Daniel of St. Petersburg, FL, Dorothy Jensen and her husband John of Alameda, CA, M Gregg Elliott and his wife Susan of Chesapeake, VA, Richard Elliott and his wife Cindy of Virginia Beach, VA, the late J F (Jef) Elliott IV, and eight great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loving dog, a Lakeland Terrier named Benji. His fondness for dogs began with Rip, the Fox Terrier known for his many tricks (but only when directed in French with an "accent horrible"), as well as his Airdale Terriers, Dale, Freddie, Scooter, Fonsie, and Winston. The funeral service on Saturday, January 26th, at 10:00 AM at the Second Reformed Church, 436 Union Street, Hackensack, Rev. Roland Ratmeyer, officiating, with burial following at Hackensack Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Fellowship Hall at the Second Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Northfield Mount Hermon School, Mount Hermon, MA, Second Reformed Church of Hackensack, Valley Hospital of Ridgewood or Hackensack University Medical Center would be appreciated