Obituary of John A. Gregory

John A. ("Jack") Gregory, Jr., age 75 of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 28, 2009, while under Hospice Care at Westfield Memorial Hospital with his family and loved ones nearby. He fought a courageous and noble 12 year battle against multiple myeloma. He was born June 6, 1933, in Erie, PA, being the first born son of the late John A., Sr. and Alma (Kline) Gregory. From an early age, Jack inherited a strong work ethic and love of farming from his grandfather while farming the family homestead in Fairview, PA. He lived in Fairview, PA from 1933 to 1972. His first farm was located on Route 98 in Fairview, PA just north of Avonia, where he raised grapes, tomatoes, asparagus and other crops with his family. In 1972 Jack moved to Westfield, NY where he began and continued to operate Shor-Lan's Farm and Fruit Stands with his family up until his passing. In support of his passion for farming Jack worked for many years for Hays Manufacturing in Erie, PA. After moving to Westfield, he also worked in transportation for International Transport of Rochester, Minnesota and Regal Service Company of Ripley, New York. Family and farm were the center of his life. Through good times and bad Jack demonstrated a tremendous tenacity for persevering and was always there for his family. He was a past member of Odd Fellows Lodge in Fairview, PA, Board of Directors of Keystone Foods, Inc., Northeast, PA, and the 1st Presbyterian Churches of both Fairview, PA and Westfield, NY. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his two daughters, a baby daughter in 1957, and Jacqueline A. Gregory, who died in a tragic automobile accident in Orange Beach, Alabama in 2004 and by a younger brother Robert Gregory. Jack is survived by his wonderful wife of 54 years, Amy K. (Flewelling) Gregory. They were married on October 23, 1954, and shared many years of love and enjoyment together. He is also survived by his son, Derek V. Gregory, Esq. of Westfield, NY of whom he was very proud, and Derek's dear firend, Rebecca Markle of Westfield, as well as four brothers, Layton "Dutch" Gregory of Plumville, PA, David Gregory of Fairview, PA Jerry Gregory, of Girard, PA and James, Gregory of Albion, PA. Friends may call at the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, New York, on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Private services and burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, PA on Wednesday with Rev. Stephen Morse of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield presiding. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County (www.hospicechautco.org), 4840 West Lake Road, Mayville, New York 14757 or Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, 189 East Main Street, Westfield, New York 14787. Condolences at www.masonfuneral.com.