Gregg J. Needham

WORCESTER - Gregg J. Needham, 68, Retired Captain, City of Worcester Fire Department, died Tuesday, July 3, 2018 after an illness.

Gregg leaves his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Mary (Valentine), his loving daughter Lauren Shepherd and her husband Joel, and his loving son Jeffrey. He also leaves his two devoted sisters, Marianne Lapomardo and her husband John and Karen Shea and her husband Walter. He also leaves 2 special nieces and 4 special nephews.

Gregg was born in Worcester, the son of John and Anita (Kantakevich) Needham. He graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in 1968 and received 2 Associate Degrees from Quinsigamond Community College graduating with Highest Honors. He previously worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia and the City of Worcester Health Department and Water Department before joining the City of Worcester Fire Department in 1980. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1986 and to Captain in 1994.

Gregg was a proud United States Army Veteran serving a tour in Korea He was awarded the bronze medal for Expert Sharpshooter. He was a Massachusetts licensed Oil Burner Technician, a Massachusetts licensed First Class Fireman and a licensed Second Class Fireman, a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor and a Massachusetts licensed Journeyman Pipefitter. He was also a Certified Massachusetts Firefighter Instructor 1. Gregg was also a licensed real estate broker and an N.A.R.C.A. Real Estate Appraiser. He was a past member of the Lithuanian War Veterans Organization.

Gregg was an automotive enthusiast and loved anything related to cars, motorcycles and classic hot rods. He enjoyed attending car shows and automotive swap meets. He was a mechanical genius and had the ability and knowledge to assemble, build and repair anything without instructions or directions.

Gregg's interests and accomplishments were many but his greatest love and joy was for his wife and children whom he cherished and adored.

Gregg's family would like to thank the following for their compassionate care for Gregg: Dr. Scott Plotkin and the team on Lunder 8 at Massachusetts General Hospital, the staff at Knollwood Nursing Home and the entire staff at JHC of Worcester with special and grateful thanks to Melissa and Michelle.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gregg's life on Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 4-7pm at the Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston. The funeral will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Monday, July 9, 2018 at St. Christopher's Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester, Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery, Worcester, In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to JHC of Worcester, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.