John E. Gregg (1959 – 2013)
CHATHAM—John E. Gregg passed away into the glories of heaven July 11, 2013.
He is survived by: his loving wife and best friend, Tammy; his step-son, Billy Herchenroder, daughter-in-law, Morgan, and their son, Ryder; his mother, Carol; sisters, Carolyn (Jack) Ackerman and Cathy (Anthony) Restaino; brothers, Michael (Leah) Gregg and Danny (Amy) Gregg; 14 nieces and nephews; two uncles, two aunts and 13 cousins.
During his last few months, Mr. Gregg’s mother, wife, sister, Cathy and two nieces, Heidi and Amelia Restaino, provided him with the loving care and constant attention that he so richly deserved.
In his early years, Mr. Gregg worked as a landscaper, carpenter and worked in the tile business for six years. In 1997, he started a concrete and masonry business with his father, Lynn, and brother, Dan. It was as a mason that he found his calling. At his core, Mr. Gregg was an artist and his abilities were evident in the many fireplaces that he constructed. The beauty and perfection of his handiwork was something that he took great pride in.
Mr. Gregg was an avid outdoorsman and overall sports enthusiast; he loved watching the Red Sox, New York Knicks, and his favorite team, the New York Giants. Hunting and fishing with the men of his family was a treasured tradition and favorite pastime of his, a custom that his brothers and nephews will truly miss experiencing with him. As the firstborn of his siblings, he was the big brother to all. Family was a significant part of his life—he shared a close bond friendship with each of his family members, especially with his Irish twin sister, Carolyn.
Mr. Gregg had a jovial personality, ever one to play a practical joke on any of his friends or family members, he kept up his cheerful attitude even during his most difficult hours. “He will be missed more than words can say. Rest in eternal glory, John…We love you.”
A funeral service will be Tuesday, July 16, 11 a.m. from the Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham. Calling hours will be Monday evening, July 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2 Pine West Plaza Suite 204, Albany 12205. To send on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com.
Judson M. Sprague (1920 – 2013)
LIVINGSTON—Judson M. “Jud” Sprague, 93, of Red Hook passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013 at the Livingston Hills Nursing Center.
Starting as a customer engineer in New York City for IBM, Mr. Sprague worked his way to senior programmer. During his 42 years with the firm, he worked on many innovative projects including: the finger print file for the FBI, programming electric encephalograms for Tulane University, developing retail sales predictability in Spokane, Washington, and various projects in Paris, France and Stuttgart, Germany. He retired as a medical programmer in Kingston in 1983.
Mr. Sprague was an active member of St. John’s Reformed Church in Upper Red Hook, Hendrick Hudson Lodge #875 F & AM in Red Hook and served as president of the Building Committee for 12 years, the Red Hook Senior Citizens and the Southern Tier Senior Citizens.
He was a passionate fisherman, gardener and bridge player. He was involved in Boy Scouts, both as a teen and served for 17 years in an administrative capacity as an adult.
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Sprague served with the Army from 1942 to 1946 as TSgt, and he was a member of Harris Smith Post #524 American Legion in Tivoli.
Born April 30, 1920, in New York City, he was the son of the late Lee Judson and Louise (Manley) Sprague.
He was a graduate of Texas A&M University.
Mr. Sprague married Anita LeTarte Sprague, April 23, 1949 in St. Paul’s Church, New York City. She survives him at home.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a son, Robert J. Sprague of Honeoye, and four grandchildren.
Funeral services and a Masonic service will be held starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 20 at St. John’s Reformed Church, Upper Red Hook. The Reverend Eric Titus will officiate. Interment will follow in St. John’s Reformed Church Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. John’s Reformed Church Deacon Fund, 126 Old Post Road North, Red Hook 12571.
Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Home, 7461 South Broadway, Red Hook.
For directions or to sign the online guest book visit www.Burnett-White.com.