Augustave A DeGregory

Augustave A. DeGregory "Gus", 87, passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, September 17, 2006. Born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., he was the son of the late John and Mary DeGregory. As a youth in NY, Gus performed in Vaudeville and at an early age revealed the charisma, personality and entrepreneurship that would be his hallmark in life.

He was a graduate of the Bentley School of Finance in Boston, MA and was employed by the General Electric Co. when he answered the call of duty for WWII by entering the service of the US Navy. In 1944 he married the late Barbara J. Forester and started his family life.

Gus started on a successful career path in Marketing for the Ruben H. Donnelly Corp. of Mt. Vernon, NY. where his tremendous communication and people skills earned him numerous awards and recognitions of achievement. In a bold career move Gus opened his own marketing & product development company, A.A. DeGregory & Asso. in New York, NY where for over 20 years he executed countless projects for the many giants of the consumer marketing world, such as the Colgate Palmolive Co., Johnson & Johnson, Gillette, and Seagrams. Over the course of time Gus was blessed with three daughters, and settled in the various suburbs of New York including Scarsdale and White Plains.

Gus was very active in the community, often running fundraising campaigns for various charities and was a founding member of St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale, NY. He was a long standing member of the Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, NY where he enjoyed an active social life, holding Board of Director and numerous committee positions. Quite athletic, he was an accomplished golfer, tennis player and jogger, loved to play cards and enjoyed traveling, music and dancing. Gus made his mark in the activities area of the WHGC, organizing and performing in countless shows and musical reviews showcasing his wonderful dancing and singing abilities. Gregarious, charming and a great story teller, Gus was always offering advice, consolation and his time to others. He had an amazing and indescribable ability to quickly establish a connection and rapport with anyone that crossed his path, and always lifted the spirits of the people in his life with his upbeat and positive outlook. He will always be remembered by his many mantras such as "Straight Ahead", his limitless energy, magnetic personality and a transcendent passion for life that inspired everyone around him. An irreplaceable soul, Gus will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know and love him.

Gus was preceded in death by his brother Jim DeGegory, sisters Julia McLaren, Mae Casino, Nettie Kehoe. He is survived by his sister Margaret Izzo of Saratoga Springs, NY, loving companion Dorothy Hoagg of Pelham Manor, NY, daughters Judy Jennings, Barbara DeGregory, Susan DeGregory, 9 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren and numerous Nieces and Nephews.