William Gregory, 91, of Gilbert, Ariz., passed away Jan. 27, 2014.
Born Christmas Day in 1922, and raised in Jamestown, Bill entered the U.S. Navy upon graduating from Jamestown High School. He became a naval aviator flying Curtiss SB2C Helldivers at the end of World War II, and continued flying for the Naval Reserve and Air National Guard until his retirement as a lieutenant colonel. Following the war, he attended General Motors Institute, and went to work at Harrison Radiator Division in Lockport, N.Y., where he spent most of his life. Following years of employment in the automotive industry, he became a high school teacher, teaching business math and retailing at nearby Tonawanda High School, earning a master's degree in education in the process. He retired to Gilbert in 1986.
He is survived by wife, Kathleen; and children: William, Brian, Cynthia and Susan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louis; his mother, Dimetra; and younger brothers: George and Stanley, both also military pilots.
In the Jamestown area, he is survived by the children of Stanley, other relatives and lifelong friends. A private family ceremony is planned.