John Joseph Gregory
December 27, 1925 – October 16, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of John Joseph Gregory at his home in Oakville, Ontario on Saturday, October 16, 2021 while sharing a meal with his son, Mark. He was 95 years of age. He was predeceased by his loving wife Marjorie (Rea) in 1970. Much loved father of Mark (Alida), Michele Spencer (David), Gail, Stephen (Thuyen Nguyen), Linda Caldwell (Steve) and Summer. Caring Grandfather to Carolyn Des Roches (Justin), Laura (Grant Wilson), Jonathan, Coraline, Christopher Romano (Laura), Michael Romano (Veronica). Great Grandfather to Kaylie, Tyler, Ainsley, Juliette, Aria and Maya.
John was born on December 27, 1925 in Toronto, the youngest son of Antonio and Benita Di Gregorio. He was predeceased by his older brother Joseph, sister-in-law Beryl, brother-in-law Charles Racey. He is survived by his adored sister Helen Racey who misses him immensely. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
John met Marjorie, the true love of his life, in 1946 when they both worked at the CBC in Toronto. He was so captivated by Marjorie that he immediately cancelled his plans to move to the United States. They were married in September 1948. While raising a family of six children, Marjorie was a strong supporter of his drive and ambition, encouraging him in all his business endeavours. Sadly, she did not live to see and share in all his achievements.
John had several jobs in different fields as a very young man until he became a real estate agent in the early 1950’s. Shortly thereafter he started relocating houses from one site to another which led to his true calling in the construction business. The family moved from Toronto to Oakville when he started building houses in Oakville in 1955.
John was intimately involved in every step of the development and completion process of each and every project that he envisioned. Major projects that he undertook include Ennisclare Park, a 100 acre luxury residential subdivision in southeast Oakville; Trafalgar Square Apartments, a rental apartment building on Kerr Street in Oakville; Willow Walk, a twin tower condominium complex in Mississauga; Ennisclare on the Lake, a four tower luxury condominium high-rise complex in West Oakville; the Ennisclare Centre, a multi building commercial complex along the QEW in North Oakville. At 65 years of age when most people are thinking of retiring, John opened the prestigious Ennisclare Interiors furniture store which he operated until the age of 81. Over the course of time his businesses grew by leaps and bounds turning into a family business where all members of the family worked for him at one time or another.
John was a true visionary, an accomplished man who insisted on exemplary quality and craftsmanship. In October 1991 he won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Ennisclare on the Lake won the Golden Horseshoe Condo of the Year Award in 2016.
John maintained his curiosity and interest well beyond retirement. He continued to go into his office two days a week right up to the very end of his life. In his spare time he and his son Mark spent thousands of hours restoring Mark’s antique car, a 1931 Reo Royale.
John was proudly independent and lived on his own, enjoying visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John loved his family and always made sure they were taken care of. He will be greatly missed and will leave a void in all their lives.
A private family visitation was held at Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home in Oakville, followed by a funeral at St. James Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, October 21, 2021. For those who wish, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital or to a charity of your choice
December 27 1925 October 16 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Joseph Gregory December 27 1925 October 16 2021..
Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home
Décès pour la Ville:Oakville, Province: Ontario