Gregory Michael Reamy of Fairfax, Virginia passed away on December 12, 2020 in the loving arms of his family. Greg was born on March 29, 1948, in Alexandria, Virginia. The son of Harvey and Hazel Reamy, Greg was their 8th son and one of 12 children. Greg learned early on to use his comedic talents to make sure he got noticed in the crowd of siblings. Greg graduated in 1966 from George Washington High School and was an active member of the alumni group. A lover of music with a great vinyl collection, in his younger years Greg would spend his weekends DJ’ing.
After high school Greg began working at the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C., but would soon answer the call to report for military duty (following in the footsteps of his 7 older brothers). Greg honorably served in the U.S. Army, with a tour of duty in Vietnam as a Communications Specialist, attaining the rank of E-5. After his discharge from the Army, Greg returned to government service where he spent the next 36 years, retiring from the Department of Energy as a Weatherization Program Specialist. Whether at home, work or play, Greg was known as “the king of one liners”. His quick wit and dimpled smile made him a favorite with co-workers and friends alike.
On August 2, 1975, Greg married the real love of his life, Linda Holle, and in 1978 they were blessed with a son, Michael James Reamy. Greg shared his love of sports with son Michael and during Michael’s high school years he loved to watch him play basketball. In 2012, Greg and Linda welcomed a new addition to their family, daughter in law Lauren Pastarnack who quickly learned to keep up with Greg’s banter.
A regular golfer, Greg enjoyed spending much of his retirement on the courses, which included yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with his best friends. Besides his love of watching sports of all kinds, Greg also enjoyed watching old movies to the point that he could recite the lines. Another passion for Greg was working on his lawn (a real show piece) which received yard of the month in his housing development on more than one occasion. Whether Greg was playing the machines at his favorite casino or playing cards at the Eagles with his old Alexandria friends, he was the life of every party. Even in his last weeks, Greg would muster up the strength to dish out a one liner. We are sure Greg is holding court in heaven and keeping everyone smiling.
Besides his wife, Linda Holle Reamy, son Michael James Reamy and daughter-in-law Lauren (Pastarnack) Reamy, Greg leaves behind brothers Robert Neville Reamy (Carol), Kenneth Lee Reamy (Gail), Donald Gene Reamy, and sisters Connie (Reamy) Dean (Tom) and Susan (Reamy) Ayub. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Hazel (Ale) Reamy; sisters Hazel Eleanor Reamy, Katherine Barbara (Reamy) Hammock; and brothers Clarence Harvey Reamy, Thomas Clyde Reamy, David Wayne Reamy, and Charles William Reamy.
Service Information: Due to COVID-19, there will be no memorial service. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
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Linda, Mike and Lauren,
Greg and I shared so much together growing up and he was always by my side. Greg was the one to talk Mom into letting me go on my first date, and he even offered to go along to watch over me. Greg was smart, brave and so funny – he always kept the family laughing with his jokes and one-liners. Greg was a fantastic brother, husband and father. He fought his cancer bravely and when the time came, he left this life just the way he wanted to – quietly at home with those he loved most. I dedicate this poem to my beloved brother Greg.
My dear Brother now that you are gone
You’re no longer here to share
The bond we had together –
A bond of love and care.
Yet, somehow something tells me
You are watching over me –
Now that from Worldly cares
You finally are free.
I miss you so very much,
And my tears I cannot hide
Yet, within my heart, I feel
You are always by my side.
Ever since you went away
Life has never been the same
Yet, it comforts me to know
that one day we will meet again!
To the Reamy family, I offer my most sincere condolences. I worked with Greg for many years at Energy, I worked in Philly while he was in HQ. He was the “policy guy”, along with the late Jim Gardner, and I worked with him on many policy issues (providing the field and grantee view). He was a wonderful mentor and taught me much about Government policy making. And, as many have noted, he made a fairly dry process fun with his quick wit. It was my pleasure to have known and worked with him and heaven has gained one of the good ones. My thought and prayers are with you all
Linda, as a cousin from NE we have not been able to keep in touch. Sorry to say we had never met Greg, but it sounds like he was a warm fun loving man ..Just need you to know we are thinking of you as well as our other cousins and families in VA. Our sincere sympathy to all. May God Bless
Dearest Linda,
I was so very sorry to learn of Greg’s passing. I think of you often, and keep you and yours in prayer always.
Dear Reamy Family,
What a loving tribute to Greg. His warmth and humor shines through in every word. I knew Greg as his sister, Connie, went to school with me. I was privileged to visit with him at many George Washington High School Alumni activities. It was always wonderful to see him at the GW Atlantis lunches. When I visit from Texas, Alexandria will not seem the same without him. I know his family is really going to miss him and you are in my prayers.
Linda,
I am so sad to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, Greg. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Linda, I was sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
My cousin Greg was born in 1948, just one year after the full scale commercialization of television in the US. The 1950’s were the formative years for both Greg and myself as two prominent comedy TV shows surfaced. These shows starred Red Skelton and Groucho Marx. Skelton’s show featured skits and slapstick, Marx was a master wit and ad-libber. We know who Greg favored.
Make no mistake, there were many facets of what and who Greg was, but I will always remember his unsolicited verbal spontaneity. This could happen in the least expected circumstances and in the presence of those unaccustomed to his playful nature. It’s fair to say that some observers were bewildered by what they were witnessing.
While it is true that some ad-libbers might appear aggressive, and many are, Greg always presented his barbs with an impish, dimple faced, blue-eyed smile that let his victim know it was all in fun. Maybe.
This was Greg’s gift and in turn, Greg’s gift to us. Think of him. Picture him. Smile.
Dear Greg – you will be so sorely missed. At least, my only comfort is knowing that you will be up there with my brother, Jerry, and he will have someone to pal around with. You guys and Gary Dodd will wreak havoc up there in Heaven. I know how badly your Family misses you, as I know how much I miss Jerry. I send all my love and condolences for your Family and all your Friends. God bless them all. Rest easy, Dear Friend.
Dearest Linda, I am so sorry to about your husband. My deepest condolences to you & your family. Many hugs.
Dear, Dear Linda,
We are so sorry to hear about Greg. Bob and I send our deepest sympathy. May he Rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Pam Gates
Bob Schultz
My deepest sympathy to the Reamy family. Greg was a co-worker for the many years we worked together at the Department of Energy. Greg was always well dressed and quick witted. He kept us laughing and who can forget that big grin and those dimples!! Greg wrote National Policy and Regulations for the Weatherization Assistance Program for all 50 states and the six territories. He was well known through out the network. We were so sad to hear of his passing. May God comfort his family and May Greg Rest In Heaven.
To the Family of Greg Reamy:
Sorry for your loss…I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Greg’s passing. I worked with him at the Dept. of Energy from 1991-1998, and he was truly a pleasure to work with. He was always very supportive, kind, funny, and a gentleman. He was like a big brother to me, but most of all, he was a good friend.
Rest peacefully, Greg; you will truly be missed.
My condolences to the family. R.I.P. Greg
To Linda and family. I am sorry for your loss. Greg and I worked together in the printing section at DOE for a number of years until he went to work for EE. We also played softball together for DOE.
I cherish the relationship we developed. Greg was a funny guy to be around and we shared many laughs together. I am sure he is missed and it was hard to let go. I thank God that I was able to speak to Greg and hear him laughing shortly before his passing.
As you go throughout your daily life try to think about the good times and that he is in a better place with no more pain and no more suffering.
Take care and stay safe.
Hey Greg! I knew you enough to know that you were a competent and very knowledgeable member of the DoE Weatherization Team! Thanks for your support during ARRA! RIP and say hi to Doc for me! Jon M.
Rest In Peace Greg enjoyed your humor for years in high school, and your skills or luck in our many poker games,seems like our lives have passed to soon see you on the other side
Very sorry for the loss of an amazing classmate. RIP
My dear brother Greg will surely be missed by all who knew him. He was a gentleman and always carried himself well and took pride in how he looked. I always looked up to him and I know he is entertaining all in heaven. See you on the other side Greg. Love ya,S
Loved my brother Greg and enjoyed the times we spent together. Always had us laughing! I know God has prepared a place for him a mansion! He is enjoying his family and the splendor of heaven. Until we meet again.
He was the best Homie the Clown ever in attendance at a Lion Halloween party!
And we will surely miss hearing Uncle Big Dog tell Grayson and Kayla, “Don’t touch me,” as they poked him and ran away.
Sending all of our love,
Amber, Patrick, Grayson & Kayla
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~ Inuit Proverb