In Memoriam: Joey Grego

Joey Grego passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Joey was born May 16, 1956, in Bradford, PA, the son of Lucille (Carrara) and Joseph Grego.

His life was extraordinary in so many ways, and he forged many legacies.

Firstly, Joey found the support of his family to live his life and be who he was. There were no judgments in the Grego household; only loving support from his large Italian Catholic family. The loving acceptance Joey enjoyed provided a solid foundation for the rest of his life.

Joey moved to Erie to attend Gannon University. His path then took him toward the beauty industry as a hair stylist and teacher for Tressa Inc. Eventually opening his own busy and successful hair salon.

He was also a prolific artist. As a self-taught painter Joey's use of color delighted admirers with everything from landscapes to floral and figurative to contemporary styles. Joey placed over 750 paintings in his career including many residences, restaurants, schools, law offices and hospitals. His signature pieces depicted his favorite flower, the blue iris.

Joey uniquely melded these two talents together operating the 'Resource Gallery': a salon and art gallery for several decades.

While attending Gannon Joey met Jeffrey Schwenk, a man that would change Joey's life, eventually become his partner and take Joey's name.

Jeffrey and Joey were inseparable and pioneers of gay culture in Erie. Their goal was to have a family together and in the late 1980's dared to pursue the unthinkable at the timeadopting and raising children together as a gay couple. They finally found an agency to help them and after a long journey built their family with their son Clay and daughter Zoey.

But at that time two parents of the same sex were not both legally able to adopt children. Clay and Zoey were the adopted children of Joey but not Jeff. If something were to happen to Joey, Jeff would have no legal claim to his own children.

Joey and Jeffrey knew they had to change that to protect their family and after a grueling process they changed the minds of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, prevailing in the landmark decision that allowed two parents of the same sex to jointly adopt children. In 2002 Pennsylvania became one of a handful of states to change its laws opening the door for many states to follow suit. This change has literally enabled thousands of people to realize their dream of family life.

Jeffrey Grego was tragically killed in a plane crash in 2005, leaving Joey as a single parent but having full custody of Clay and Zoey.

Joey reinvented himself at that time and pursued a career in administration at Hamot hospital. There he attained the position in leadership of patient and guest services. Joey set the gold standard for treating patients and their families with compassion and personal attention. He was beloved by all he encountered, bringing joy and laughter to unsuspecting moments. A key to Joey's success was that he held everyone in the same regard, listening and learning from patients, their families, and all levels of team members. He proudly worked at Hamot for many years and then decided to give art his full attention.

Subsequently, when the Women's Hospital was built as part of Hamot, Joey was commissioned to paint large mural canvases that now adorn the lobby of that building.

The hallmark of Joey's life aside from these accomplishments is that of personal relationships which number many and have the quality and depth very few people achieve. His character, wit, compassion and warmth were the basis for affecting so many people's lives through his 69 years. He was able to light up a room with just his presence and ability to connect with anyone. Joey's legacy is one of quiet resilience, deep loyalty, and unconditional love.

Joey is preceded in death by his parents and Jeffrey Grego, his partner of 28 years. He is survived by his children, Clay Grego of Cleveland, OH, Zoey Grego (Sydney Allen) of Columbus, OH, his partner, Rob Scypinski, sisters Sally Grego Collins and Sheila Grego Gomes both of Erie, brother Greg Grego (Lori) of Darien, GA, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of Joey's life is graciously being hosted by the Benedictine Sisters at Mount St Benedict 6101 East Lake Rd, Erie, PA, on Thursday, August 14 with visitation beginning at 9:30am, followed by Catholic mass at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in tribute to Joey to the Benedictine Inner-City Neighborhood Art House at 201 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16503 www.neighborhoodarthouse.org.

Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th is assisting with arrangements.