Chris DiGregorio

Crescenzio (Chris) Salvatore DiGregorio passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Chris was born in the scenic mountain town of Cansano, Italy on June 15, 1930 to Donato and Carmela DiGregorio. In 1940, at the young age of ten, he made the journey to America where his family settled in Gallup, NM. He graduated from Gallup High in 1948 before going on to New Mexico Highlands University, where he received his B.A. and Masters degrees. He also played guard for the university football team. There he met the love of his life and wife of almost 63 years, Jennie, with whom he had four children. Chris dedicated his working life to the children of the Gallup and McKinley County School District. In his 33 years of being an educator, he served as a teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent. "Mr. D" didn't let his love for educating young minds stop there. Once retired, he served as a lobbyist for education. He was very active in the NM Association of Educational Retirees, at one point serving as the president. He also received the Harold R. Goff Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the NMAER. He was also active in AARP and the Brotherhood and Protective Order of the Elks. Chris was an avid supporter of Lobo Athletics and rarely missed a football or basketball game. He also loved his Dallas Cowboys. He had an exceptionally green thumb that always resulted in the most beautiful gardens. He enjoyed the outdoors with many family camping trips in the Pecos wilderness. Most of all, however, he loved spending time with his family. Nothing made him smile as much as having everyone over and having a good old fashioned family get together. He was preceded in death by his father, Donato DiGregorio; mother, Carmela DiGregorio; two infant sisters, both by the name of Candida DiGregorio; daughter, Beverly Peterson and son, Chris Patrick DiGregorio. He is survived by his wife, Jennie; son Michael DiGregorio and wife Ami; son Carmen DiGregorio and wife Stephanie; brother Donato DiGregorio and wife Judy. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kristina Creek and husband Stephen; Jessica Jeffery and husband Dustin; Carl Peterson and wife Gabrial; Justin DiGregorio and wife Shannon; Danielle Rodriguez and husband Ruben; Nieka, Kian and Kyle DiGregorio. Also, he is survived by his great grandchildren: Addison and Tobias Creek; Lana and Bella DiGregorio; August and Dresden Peterson. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org or NM Boys and Girls Ranches, www.theranches.org.