LOUIS' OBITUARY - ALUMNUS CHS 1957 -
Louis J. Gregus, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 29, 2020. He was the seventh of nine children, born in 1939 to immigrant parents, Michael and Helen Gregus, of Coaldale, PA. Lou’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to family.
Lou carried a love of sport throughout life. This foundation was set early during his years at Coaldale High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. In 1957, he represented his district at the state finals in track for the one mile, clocking in at 4m:20s. Even though he excelled in track, basketball was his favorite sport. Many winter nights after practice found him playing a pick-up game with the older boys in town. Lou would go on to play both basketball and football while attending Stevens College in Lancaster, PA. The dedication and hard work learned in these arenas, shaped his character and continued to mature as life moved forward.
While working in Wilmington, DE, in 1960, Lou met Joy Ann Welsh, also from Coaldale, PA. What began as a last-minute friendly date for a dinner party, quickly bloomed into romance, and the two were wed in December 1961 at the Congregational Church in Coaldale. Shortly after the wedding, Lou answered the call to serve his country in the US Army until 1964.
Upon completion of his tour of duty, Lou’s life forever changed the moment he gazed at his newborn daughter. A namesake son would follow a year later to round out his family. This newfound responsibility was met with a determined commitment to protect and to provide. Toward this end, Lou settled into his role as a marketing manager for a major oil company. He served faithfully, and with great integrity, modeling a strong work ethic which both his children emulate. After three decades in the business world, Lou took an early retirement to enjoy his two great earthly loves: family and golf.
Relocating to Green Cove Springs, FL in 2004, Lou and Joy embraced the sweet season of life together. Grandchildren eagerly anticipated time spent at “Camp Gregus,” and Lou was never happier than when sounds of laughter and splashing rose from the pool. Each one learned to drive behind the wheel of his golf cart, tooling around the neighborhood. His appreciation of a well-manicured yard kept his hands busy when he wasn’t occupied with a woodworking project or swinging a golf club. Lou was never more at ease than when he was on the golf course, and never prouder on the course than when he played with family. Over the years, he forged new friendships through various groups, and even secured a few club championships along the way. However, his favorite foursome was “The Fearsome Foursome,” comprised of his son, son-in-law and grandson, and his love for the game of golf lives on in them; he truly was a “Hole in One Poppy.”
Lou’s life epitomized the ideal of the American Dream: the son of an immigrant coal miner; a product of parochial and public schools, who found a future path for higher education through sport; and, a faithful steward of the opportunities entrusted to him; Lou passed along future possibilities for success to his family, who remain his greatest earthly reward. Through a lifetime of hard work and careful living, by God’s grace, he accomplished all the purposes of God for him in his generation and now enters his rest.
Lou’s legacy lives on in his wife of 59 years, Joy, and two children Ann (Steve Yoder) and Lou (Teresa), along with six grandchildren. There will be a private family service to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a donation in his honor--
