Obituary of Gregory Walsh

Greg, a native of Woodside, grew up on 50th Street and was a graduate of St. Sebastian's School. Like many streets in Woodside, 50th Street was an extension of our family, and it was where our story began, our forever friendships formed, and our lives, faith, and values were shaped. Greg was at the very heart of this culture, and although a citizen of the world in many ways, he remained firmly grounded in his roots. Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degrees in education from Queens College and dedicated his career with the New York City Board of Education, to special needs students. Greg's kind and gentle nature were gifts best shared in the interests of children. Beyond teaching, Greg's commitment to education extended to the funding of a start-up school in Siem Reap, Cambodia. In addition to teaching, Greg's entrepreneurial spirit fueled the founding of his successful retail business, Greg's Trees which led to his most cherished career title of all…"Santa". A self-taught businessman who brought the best of all his talents together, and spread Christmas joy throughout the neighborhoods, hospitals and schools of NYC. Greg was an inspiration to many and touched the countless lives of those who were blessed to cross his path. His humor was unmatched and has left a deafening silence with all who love him. He will be missed immensely, but his spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Greg is survived by his loving wife Ivy, their son, and Greg's pride and joy, Gregory Lushan ("Little Greg"), and "oneday daughter-to-be" Aglaia ("Aggie") Nikolaros. Greg was one of seven children born to the late Mary C. and John P. Walsh, and is survived by brothers and sisters, John A., Brian, Maureen, Noreen, Karen and John Preston, and Cecile. As the family expanded, Greg's life was further blessed by the love of his nieces and nephews, Bridget and Matthew Georgakopoulos, Sarah Preston (Goddaughter), and Kaitlin and Michael Santoro, and great nieces and nephews, Michael, Emma, Paige and Lia (affectionately referred to by Greg as "the Georgakopoli"). Greg is also survived by his beloved aunt, Nora Harte, cousin John T. Harte, the "Halayko Family" of cousins and loving uncle and aunt, Pat and Roisin Walsh, and cousins in Ireland. "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Visitation will be Monday, May 26 from 4-8PM and Tuesday, May 27 from 4-8PM at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, Inc, 43-07 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside, NY. Funeral Mass will be held 10:45 am on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Sebastians RCC, 58th Street And Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, NY. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside on Wednesday, May 28 at 12:30 pm.