(February 8, 1957-January 16, 2022)
Suddenly, the world lost this gentle soul. Predeceased by his parents Robert and Fran Vowell and much too soon, his sparkling, firebrand daughter, Megan. Survived by his adoring wife Kim, son Matthew (Melissa) and his precious twin grandchildren, Cassidy and Maya, brother William ( Anne), nephews, Will, Hunter, Patrick and too many countless friends to number.
Greg was a big guy juxtaposed with a minimalist approach to life; soft-spoken and of few words. When he spoke, it paid to listen. He was a man of deeds, not words, although if by chance someone crossed those he held dear, you would do well to respect him.
Greg’s 2 great passions beyond his family and friends were golf and music, most notably the Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks and Govt. Mule.
Greg was a man of great faith and served as a member of the Bishop McQuaid Council of the Knights of Columbus; 4th degree member of the St. John Fisher Assembly and a Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus organization.
Greg also volunteered his time and helped coordinate and participate in fundraising events for Bivona Child Advocacy Center. In 2019, Greg received the Diane Larter Champion for Children award for his unwavering dedication and commitment to children and the organization.
Greg was, as mentioned, a physically imposing gentleman, who had also achieved a Black Belt in Karate. On the golf course and on the hardwood, he had a soft, deft touch that belied his stature; he could knock a 7 iron inside of ten feet and bury 3-pointers from anywhere. So, it is fitting that delicate touch is also how he encountered friends & family. Words cannot adequately convey the breadth of his impact on those fortunate to have walked beside him. He leaves this world literally a better place than the one he entered almost 65 years ago. I leave you with my best attempt to capture his spirit here:
An Ode to Greg
I’ve never known a true or fairer friend.
My heart is weeping, is this the end?
You never asked for anything, you gave it all
I watched you love; you have received the call
Sweet memories are what I take with me
As I hope your last breath set you free
You are never gone, you are here to stay
I trust this truth, tomorrow & forever & today.
Forever yours,
Bob Broomfield 1/18/ 2022
Calling Hours will be held Monday January 24, 4-6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Tuesday January 25, 10AM at Church of the Assumption, Fairport. (propertyspecialistsinc.com)
Comments
20 responses to “Vowell, Gregory A.”
This is by far, the most beautiful and eloquent obituary I have ever read. Captures everything I knew about Greg. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He will not be forgotten by any who knew and loved him.
Here’s to Greg! May all his drives in heaven carry 300 yds and split the fairway. May he never chili dip a chip again and all his putts drop in the center of the cup. Here’s to Greg, who we all loved dearly and will sorely miss. Thank you for giving us so many smiles over the years and always having our back. RIP. Love you, Greg!
.I’m sure I speak for the entire Springer Family, when I say how devastated we all are to have lost such a good, good man! Greg was not just my cousin….he was my basketball buddy at the famous Springer reunions, my confidant when playing tricks on my aunt Franny, my golf partner in many a scramble, my teammate on the McQuaid golf team, a stalwart advisor when running into trouble; but most of all the kind of good friend who always had my back! I thank God that I ran into him a couple weeks ago at, of all things a Knight’s of Columbus Funeral; and I got in a good hug and an I Love You! And I do Greg……Love You Always! Cousin Tommy…
Always a kind,smiling guy. I will miss seeing him. To the entire Vowell family, my sincere condolences
To Kim and family, our deepest sympathies. Always a kind and gentle soul, he will be missed.,
We are saddened to hear of Greg’s death, however, grateful and fortunate for the times we had together. The fond memories of our valued friendship will live on.
Wishing Peace and Strength for Greg’s family and closest friends at this time, and Joy and Gratitude as we reflect on the Goodness and Positive Impact Greg brought to others during his life.
Farewell Buddy!
Shine On,
John and Beth Farrell
I’m so sorry Kim!
I wish I could be there to celebrate our friend Greg. We were all so fortunate to know him, and I am so glad he liked me to know you Bob. While the time and space we shared was too short, the impact is forever. Sending love to you, his family, and his friends. He was a blessing to us all.
Devastating news. Such a wonderful obituary and ode you wrote, Bob. You captured Greg perfectly. I enjoyed Greg’s dry sense of humor and warm friendship. Our love and prayers go out to Kim, Mathew and the Vowell and Springer clans. Rest in peace, Greg.
Greg was my best friend from second grade to eight grade at which point we went to different high schools. I think we played every day in those year including football in his back yard, the above ground pool, plastic golf balls and endless board games and sleep overs at my Keuka family cottage.. He was smart, gentle for a big kid, always engaging , always kind. Our friendship brought me great joy in those years. We also shared great faith then. So glad to learn that my friend continued his impactful life shared with so many. God bless you Greg and may your family find peace and joyful memories at this time
I would like to say that while the family gave me the privilige of wroting Greg’s Obituary, I onlly wanted prople yo know the Ode was mine
Lost for words that that others haven’t already shared. Thrilled he got to know his grandchildren. Was never about him. Blessed to have have known him. World needs so many more Greg’s not lose one.
Very sorry to hear this news. Greg was both a gentleman and a gentle man. I always enjoyed a round of golf with him and his dry sense of humor. RIP, Greg.
I was so saddened by the news of Greg’s death. I worked with him this past year at Blue Heron on Thursday nights. I enjoyed every minute. He was my boss but always was fair and helped in any way that he could. He truly was a gentle man. My thoughts and prayer go out to all his family and friends. I know he will be missed and remembered with much love!
Kim
I am so sad to learn of Greg’s passing. How devastating. You and your family are in our prayers.
My sincere condolences to the family
Greg had me listen to the Greg Allman tour in High school which remains one of my favorite’s
I remember his biting wit and sarcasm fondly
Sad to hear about Greg. He always had a smile on his face and was fun to be with in high school.
John and I were so very sorry to hear about Greg. We always enjoyed seeing him. And I always enjoyed his wry sense of humor. He was such an approachable and kind man. We send our deepest sympathy to Kim and Matt.
So Sad to hear of Greg’s passing. He was great support for our Knights of Columbus Council in Victor. I’ll remember him as a Big Guy with a Big Heart to help others.
Greg was an amazing volunteer at Bivona. Such a gentle and giving soul who always had a warm smile for everyone. We are blessed to have known him and blessed to have him work along side the members of our Team and even more so with the kids and families. A special thank you to his family for allowing him to be a part of the work we do at Bivona and more importantly, THANK YOU Greg for just being who you are!!!