Gregory Robert Marchewka, of Hampshire, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born March 17, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to Robert and Melaine (Kozlowski) Marchewka.
Gregory was a Veteran of the US Army. He raised his daughters in New York, and led a career in law enforcement as a NY State Correctional Officer. After retiring in 2011, Gregory moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado before settling in Hampshire for the last three years. There, he joined the Hampshire Lions Club.
Better known by most as Greg, Chewk, Ninja 3, Poppy, Papa, Brother, and Dad. Greg was an honest, kind-hearted man who created lasting core memories with those that knew him. Greg taught us to never take ourselves or situations too seriously. He was a jokester with an infectious laugh bringing light to any situation and to so many people’s lives. He had a deep love of food, enjoyed finding recipes, cooking and visiting a multitude of restaurants. Music was a big part of Greg’s life. He had a love for all genres and showing support to artists. He enjoyed going to live local shows and concerts. He was a lifelong fan of all Chicago sport teams. He played baseball for many years and even did some coaching for his daughters’ teams when they were kids. Some of Greg's favorite pastimes were fishing, hiking, long back road drives to explore towns and ending the day around a "bond" fire with a tequila in hand. Above all, he loved spending time with friends and family, especially his granddaughters.
Greg is survived by his daughters, Vanessa (Aaron) Ferona and Michelle Marchewka; stepdaughter Mindy Trombley; his siblings, Terese (Pat) Stallone, Joseph (Chris) Marchewka, Beverly Jabbari, and Robert (Cheri) Marchewka; his granddaughters, Aaralyn and Inara Ferona; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. There are plans to have two celebrations for Greg, one in Illinois and one in Colorado. DeFiore Funeral Home has been trusted with arrangements.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Greg, you will be missed greatly.
To family and friends: worked with Greig for several years at NYSDOCS Green Haven CF. The obituary for Greg describes him perfectly. He was a pleasure to work with. Always a straight up guy, good employee, dedicated to security and his fellow employees and yes a very funny man. He was an all around good guy and him and I stay in occasional contact via Facebook. I never knew he was sick with Cancer and not surprised that he did not share that with many. I have met many people over the years of my life. I will always remember “Chewk”. RIP Greig
Our condolences and prayers go to the family at this time
To Vanessa, Michelle, his brothers and the Marchewka family. We were saddening to hear about Gregory (Chewk) passing. I first met “Chewk” back in the 80’s when he finished his U.S. Army tour in Germany with Billy Kotchie. Billy introduced Greg to his hometown friends known as the “Swensonites” where Billy grew up in Wappingers Falls New York. At that time in my life, I managed and played softball and Greg’s enthusiasm once I mentioned softball to join my teams was overwhelming to say the least. He was as asset as an outfielder and loved to hit home runs (seeing he was a big man). So that was the beginning of a great friendship for many years. Chewk worked as a NYS Correction Officer first at Green Haven then then in Comstock N.Y... As Vanessa was born with Kelsey you could see his love and how proud he was being a first-time father. You could see in his eyes that love!!! Then Michelle was born and he was even prouder showing the love he had for his two daughters. That strong bond with his girls continued and he took care of them to the last days of his life. Chewk and I become great friends over the years he was in New York and he attended many New York Yankees (Sox) games and too many NY Jets games over the years especially when the Bears came into town. Every time Chewk wore his Chicago colors, whether it was the White Sox, Cubs, Bears, or Blackhawk fan. He was so proud of being from Chicago!!! I use to laugh when he’d tell me every time, we’d be New York City don’t worry Jaybo I’m from Chicago. He proudly says this was his turf and not to worry. Chewk had an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that outshined his life. He was passionate dealing with people and wasn’t shy no matter where we would go, he’d shine communicating to strangers as if he knew them after a 5 minutes conversation. As with life reality, time flies and he always wanted to head to Colorado after he finished his time working in Comstock prison and living in Clemons, New York. I knew one day though after his kids grew up that he would eventually end back to his home town in Illinois. He was a very proud of being a Chicagoan and loving his family. One really never goes that far from the place they grew up and loved so very much. Greg was never afraid of making any move and he lived his life to the fullest with no regrets. Today we both have a void in our hearts where he filled it and no matter how long we haven’t seen him Chewk was a brother and he will always be in a special place in our hearts. To my brother from another mother, God bless your soul as you walk through the valley of darkness but soon you will be with your mom, dad and family. I’m going to miss your laugh, infectious personality and most of all his physical presence although it has been years since we’ve been together. Kim and I know today the empty feeling his brothers, cousins, daughters and family feel right now but please remember that your dad, brother and friend lived a full life of joy, happiness and life experiences. With much hugs from that big man, we are already missing you, my friend. Rest in peace, give Nana and Pop Simons a big hug and for our Swenson buddies (Stu, Joey, Mark, Mikey) enjoy those cold beers with them. Chewk, don’t drink all those beers and save some for me when my time comes. Here is to you my friend celebrating a great life while you were with us on this Earth. Watch over your girls, your family and all of us while we navigate our way through life. My heart hurts right now but you are no longer in pain and can now rest in peace in Heaven. God Bless your Gregory Robert Marchewka and your soul will be remembered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC at their monthly masses for one year to help your travels navigating your way to Heaven and enjoying eternal life. All of us lost brother but God and Heaven now has a new Knight to protect us all here on Earth... -Kim & Jaybo Simons
Joe, Chris and Sydney. Very sorry to hear about this . Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Joe Chrissy and Sydney may Greg rest in piece are thoughts and prayers be with your family XoXo
Joe, Chris, and Sydney, we are so sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family at this time.
A life well lived it seems with an amazing family to carry on his legacy. I was fortunate enough to have met him and found him to be a hilarious guy, with a hearty laugh and huge smile. May his memory be a blessing to us all. Sending love to all the Marchewka family, your friend, Justine.
I was shocked to have you go so quickly I will never forget working with you in Green Haven(H-Block strong) Ypu had a sense of achievement accomplishment and a huge sense of humor and a great heart! Look over all of from heaven my friend RIP Brother
Greg was a Hampshire Lion for Just under 3 years and fully participated. He was a proud member and we are grateful that he was one of us. May he rest in peace.
Chewk, you had the best sense of humor and always made us laugh. You were a great workmate and even though you drove me nuts, I always enjoyed your company. Rest in peace our friend.
To the
Teri my condolences to you and Pat and your family on your loss of your brother Greg. May Greg rest I in peace.