Obituary: John (Jack) G. Gress Jr. of Brewster

From the Beecher Funeral Home

John (Jack) G. Gress Jr. of Brewster NY, a patriot, hard-working, well-loved husband, and father, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2020. He was 77 years old.

Jack was born on November 23, 1942, in Bronx, NY, son of the late Beatrice Byrne and John G Gress Sr. He grew up in the Bronx and went to St. Helena’s High School.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josephine Gress and his four children; Michael Gress, Karen Merritt, Lorraine (Andrew) Chastant, and Barbara (Dave) O’Hara, his six grandchildren; Michael Chastant, Patrick Chastant, Abigail Merritt, Ryan O’Hara, Lindsay O’Hara, and Ashley O’Hara, and his sister Carol Connolly, his brother Kenneth (Gerry) Gress of Bronx NY along with many loving nieces and nephews.

His beloved wife, Jo, was always by his side. Fiercely devoted to one another, they raised four children in North Salem NY, where they lived for 48 years. To his six grandchildren, he was always “grandpa”, lighthearted and proud. His children would all say that dad taught them a strong work ethic, good morals, and the importance of community.

Jack grew up in the trades working with his dad from childhood as a builder. A self-starter Jack began a successful business, WR Repair Service, now owned and managed by his son Mike Gress. Upon his retirement, he intensified his efforts as owner-operator of the Someday Retirement Community, Brewster, NY.

Jack had many interests and it is an understatement to say he enjoyed helping others. He was a true jack of all trades and loved any project large or small. His commitment to the community was endless. It would be impossible to list all of the organizations that he supported and where he volunteered his time. Jack was most proud of his work with the veterans and honoring of 9/11/2001. If you knew him, you would call him a friend. He will be sadly missed by all.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday March 23, 2020 at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Brewster, NY. Limited visitation will be held on Sunday March 22 at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster from 3pm-7pm. Due to visitation restrictions you are encouraged to share your condolences on Jack’s webpage on the Beecher Funeral Home Website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Support our troops in Carmel NY or your favorite veterans’ organization.