Paul J. Gregory

CANFIELD - Paul J. Gregory, 79, died November 14, 2024 surrounded by family at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown after a brief illness. 

He was born on February 10, 1945, in Youngstown, the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Nagy Gregory. Paul grew up on the southside of Youngstown attending St. Patrick and St. Dominic. He enrolled at Cardinal Mooney High School and was a member of the speech team before graduating in 1963. 

Paul was an accomplished student at Youngstown State University, serving as Student Government President, and having many other involvements including Circle K Service Fraternity, Jambar, speech and serving as the sports information director. As Student Government President he initiated a program to bring top entertainment groups to campus for major events, and under his leadership an amphitheater was built next to Kilcawley Hall and “the Rock” tradition was born. In 1968 he graduated cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Public Administration with minors in Economics and Education. Paul was one of five students to receive YSU pins for highest honor points. 

Throughout college, he maintained a connection with Cardinal Mooney by serving as a coach and judge for legendary speech coach Denny Barrett. Paul chose to join the faculty at Cardinal Mooney after graduation and over the next 45 years he upheld the Mooney tradition of sanctity, scholarship, and discipline. His tenure at the school included teaching social studies and business, coaching speech, serving as the statistician/publicist for the Steel Valley Conference, handling school public relations, publishing football programs, and serving as the Development and Alumni Director. Paul was a devoted teacher, taking great pride in the achievements and accomplished careers of the students he and his colleagues instructed and mentored. He created and guided a multitude of programs to increase enrollment, generate revenue to support school operations, scholarships,facility improvements, and athletics, as well as unite and engage alumni. Paul deeply valued the long-standing relationships with many of his Cardinal Mooney co-workers, alumni and other members of the “Mooney Family”. He was inducted into the Cardinal Mooney Athletic Hall of Fame for significant contributions before retiring in June 2013. 

Paul also worked 11 years in management at Idora Park, serving as assistant treasurer and manager of ride operations. He hired many of his former students as ride operators to help fund their college tuition. Based on his experience at the park, Paul was appointed by the governor as a charter member and Chairman for eight years of the Ohio Amusement Ride Safety Commission. During his term, the board developed state-wide amusement ride regulations and established waterpark rules that were replicated by other states across the country. He also worked seasonally as a company representative for the Lyden Oil Company. 

Family was always at the center of Paul’s life, and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his beloved wifeof 53 years, the former Veronica Palovich, whom he married on July 17, 1971. He met Roni Sue, a 1967 Cardinal Mooney graduate, when then principal Fr. Robert Flynn suggested Paul contact an alumna who was an organist to play for the faculty Christmas party. Together, they raised three children, all Cardinal Mooney graduates: Marc (Missy) Gregory of Lewis Center, OH; Veronica (Joe) Strangis of Virginia Beach, VA; and Joseph Gregory (Maureen Kelleher) of Virginia Beach, VA. He treasured his three grandchildren, Emerson Margaret Gregory, Kellyn Jane Gregory, and Vincent Joseph Gregory. He loved being “Papa" and greatlyenjoyed close relationships with his grandchildren, closely following their academic and athletic activities. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Judy) Gregory of Struthers, OH. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, stepsister Elaine Popovich and beloved Godfather, Andrew Nagy. 

He cherished annual vacations with family and friends at Sandbridge Beach, Virginia, and was a dedicated fanof the Columbus Blue Jackets, Norfolk Tides, Michigan Wolverines, and his grandson Vincent’s Columbus Capitals travel hockey team. 

As we remember Paul, we celebrate his legacy of dedication to family and Cardinal Mooney High School. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on a future date. The Gregory family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory can be made to Animal Charity of Ohio in Youngstown, Fetch-a-Cure of Richmond, VA, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation or the Ron Stoops Scholarship Fund at Cardinal Mooney. Professional arragements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.