The community legacy of the late Dr. David G. Gregor will now reach further. An additional half-million dollars was recently distributed to three local organizations he supported during his lifetime. The Northern New York Community Foundation, Jefferson Community College Foundation and Samaritan Medical Center Foundation all received additional bequests this month. Dr. Gregor, a retired general surgeon and Watertown native, who died on August 18, 2013 at the age of 84, was a quiet but generous supporter and donor to many of the area’s charitable organizations.
Following Dr. Gregor’s death, nearly $1.5 million was distributed to seven local non-profit organizations. The recent bequest now raises his total charitable legacy to approximately $2 million. “As trustee of Dr. Gregor’s estate and as his friend of many years, I would point out that his charitable giving was generous throughout his lifetime as well as after his death. He did not want or seek public recognition for these acts, but did feel an obligation to support his community and the causes he cared about. I do hope that in making his generosity known, others will be inspired to follow his example,” said Jan Turcotte.
“Dr. Gregor loved this community with all of his heart, and, in a very generous way and consistent with his life, provided meaningful gifts that will affect the lives of many for generations to come,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation director. “This additional gift will be added to the David G. Gregor Community Fund, a permanent endowment which will forever provide grants to support broad-based community initiatives and tell his life’s story of caring for others and his community. Both during his lifetime and now, he has set an
inspirational example of the importance of investing in one’s community broadly and for the long-term, something we will forever be grateful to Dr. Gregor for,” Mr. Richardson said.
Jefferson Community College foundation director Lisa Familo stated, “Dr. Gregor had deep roots in the community so it is fitting that his gift is staying local, making this a more vibrant community. This generous gift will foster academic excellence and enhance the strategic development of Jefferson Community College, ensuring the vitality of our community’s College. Through this gift, Dr. Gregor is leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. We, at Jefferson Community College, are grateful and proud to be entrusted with this legacy.”
Beth Fipps, Samaritan Medical Center’s vice president, foundation and community services added, “Dr. Gregor served Samaritan patients for decades as a general surgeon. He served on many committees at the hospital as well as the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation board. He shared with us that he took the position on the board because he knew it was vitally important to the success of the mission of Samaritan Medical Center to provide high-quality, comprehensive, safe and compassionate health care services. We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Gregor’s commitment and leadership to our community and specifically to Samaritan – his legacy will live on and he is greatly missed.”