funeral reading

The reading from Greg's funeral mass 4-14-2004

Gregory Steven Vasich
Born 2-27-81
Baptized 4-12-81
Died 4-9-04

     Greg was a bright, loving, kind person who was very interested in people. Greg was such a joy to be with. He took a genuine interest in everyone he knew. He believed in people, had faith in people which made others feel good when around him. He made time for work, family and fun. Greg had a special attachment to his dad, beginning with a bright eyed smile when his dad held him for the first time in the delivery room. He modeled himself after his dad. They shared interests in sports, movies, books, politics, music and family. Greg was very close to his brothers of whom he was so very proud. He encouraged them in their areas of interest and was their biggest fan. He was so proud of his brother Mike and his musical achievements. He listened as he played piano and was in awe of Mike’s talent. When home, he was often at his side while he played piano. Greg and Mike were inseparable when they were young playing together all day in the times before they branched out to friends. Greg and Chris talked toget her about sports, friends and movies. Greg loved to see Chris compete athletically and went to his soccer games and track meets throughout the years. He and Chris were rivals in any and all games from Monopoly to Frisbee to Poker to Minesweeper to Risk to football. Greg and Paul had a fun relationship. They talked together about so many things. Greg was interested in Paul’s friends, sports and music activities. He attended his band concerts or soccer games without being asked. Greg and Paul played some duets just for fun at home, Greg on trombone and Paul on saxophone. When you were around Greg you wanted to do your best.
     Greg was a source of support and encouragement to his family. He wanted to help in any way he could. He was very attached to his family, showing faith and belief in others that you never wanted to disappoint him. He always took an interest in family members and friends and made everyone feel special. He never missed the chance to travel with us. We were so lucky to have all six of us together for many wonderful camping trips around the country. He loved hiking and climbing mountains in Colorado, California and Maine.
Greg was very close to his grandparents and loved all four of them very much. He loved playing poker with Grandpa Richards, getting hugs and food from Grandma Vasich, spending time talking with Grandma Richards and hearing stories from Grandpa Vasich.
     Greg was a musician, playing piano and trombone. He met a lot of his closest friends through band. Greg loved to learn, always excelling in school. Greg had such a keen intellect. He showed a great appreciation of film, books, and music. He was an outstanding student. He was interested in math and science when younger, beginning college as an engineering major, leaving college with a degree in English and cinema studies. Greg was a thinker, loving to analyze information. He studied film and wrote some movie reviews which were posted on the web.
Greg graduated from Naperville Central high school in 1999 in the top five per cent of his class. He graduated from the University of Illinois with honors in December 2003. He was thinking about attending law school at the University of Minnesota beginning fall of 2005.
     Greg was an athlete. He played soccer, baseball, basketball, football and Frisbee. He always played with full effort. His favorite sports to play were baseball and football. He played organized baseball from Little League to the Colt League when he was 17. He played football for Lincoln Jr. High and was remembered by his coach as being the best defensive tackle he had over the years. Like his brother Chris, Greg was a fast runner. It was tough for Greg to have to choose between football and marching band in high school. He chose band and gave it his all playing trombone for the Jazz bands, the Wind Ensemble and the marching band. In college he again made so many wonderful friends through the Marching Illini.
     Greg was always surrounded by friends. He was a fun and interesting guy to be around. He easily made friends and kept friends in his heart. He had many fun trips and adventures with his dear friends over the years.
Greg was very loving. He and his sweetheart, Jenny, glowed with happiness. We will miss their loving gazes into each other’s eyes and their look of joy when they would greet each other.