Obituary of James Grego

James J. Grego, Sr. "Loving Husband and Father, Active in Church & Community" Allegany, NY-- James J. Grego, Sr. of 3184 Cranberry Rd. died Monday (April 23, 2012) in the Olean General Hospital. Born February 8, 1920 in Bradford, PA he was the son of Joseph and Frances Frisina Grego. On July 22, 1944 at St. Francis Church in Hillsgrove, R.I., he married Rose L. Rubino who survives. Mr. Grego was a 1939 graduate of St. Bernard High School in Bradford, PA. He put his education plans on hold and entered the US Army Air Corps in October 1941 where he served during WWII as a medical technician. He returned home in November of 1945 with the rank of Sergeant and received the Good Conduct and American Defense Medals. He then pursued a B.S. degree in Chemistry which he received at St. Bonaventure University in 1949 and a Master of Education degree in 1951. The University always remained close to his heart and he and his wife enjoyed attending all of their reunions. Additionally, he served as President of the St. Bonaventure University Alumni Association, Olean Area Chapter and he helped promote the University's annual Alumni Fund Drive for many years and he also served as Annual Fund Chairman. He received the Fr. Irenaeus, O.F.M. award for service to the University and Chapter. He was employed for thirty two years at the former Dresser Clark Co. where he retired on September 30, 1983. In 1986 he organized the Dresser Clark Office Retirees. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church since 1959 and became involved in many of the school and church activities to the end. His devotion to his catholic faith was recognized with the "St. Joseph the Worker" award for his seventeen years as parish chairman of Catholic Charities Appeal by the late Bishop Edward Head of Buffalo. His community affairs included serving as past Councilor of the former Columbian Squires of Olean Knights of Columbus Council #338, and as chairman of Cub Scouts Pack #17 of St. Mary of the Angels Church. He was also an honorary life member and Past Grand Knight of Allegany Knights of Columbus Council #1220 and Past Faithful Navigator of Olean Assembly #721 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He was elected Supervisor of the town of Allegany for the 1971-1972 term and was appointed to the Assessment Board of Review for six years, five of which he served as chairman. He enjoyed closeness with family and relatives, especially the annual reunions at Allegany State Park. He and his wife traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC and Florida. He kept physically active as a member of the St. Bonaventure Golf Club in both the Dresser Clark and Geritol Golf Leagues. He also bowled with members of the Sixty Plus group in Allegany. Surviving besides his wife are three sons James J. (Rosemary) Grego, Jr. of Hilton, John J. Grego of Rochester, Robert J. (Patricia) Grego of The Villages, FL; one daughter Pamela J. (John) Caldwell of Portville; ten grandchildren; two step grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Geraldine Grego of Bradford, PA; many nieces, nephews and cousins, and close friends including Jack and Louise Croft of Olean. He was predeceased by three brothers Joseph Grego, Patsy Grego and Ralph Casolite and two sisters Josephine Loth and Ruth Cline. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday (April 26, 2012) beginning with a prayer service at 9:00am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30am in St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be in the form of a mass offering at any catholic church, made to the St. Bonaventure University Annual Fund, or made in Mr. Grego's memory to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.