Gerry DeGregoris

Gerry DeGregoris, founder of Gregoris Motors in Valley Stream, died on Monday, Dec. 7 after a battle with cancer. He was 81.

DeGregoris, of Hewlett, was born in Jamaica, Queens and entered the Navy after high school. He started his used car dealership in 1959. At that time, Valley Stream was inundated with used car lots on Merrick Road. He specialized in used Cadillacs. Customers would shop up and down Merrick Road looking at used cars. Many decided that for a few dollars more, they could buy a Cadillac that looked new.

In 1967, DeGregoris purchased a Datsun dealership in Valley Stream. From then on, his business expanded with the help of his three sons Gerry Jr., Robert and Richard. Gregoris Nissan celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007.

DeGregoris had a passion for fast horses and good food. He loved horse racing and never missed a summer race season in Saratoga with his family. He also loved fine Italian restaurants and would frequent the best ones on Long Island with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 56 years, his sons and their spouses Gerry Jr. and Ann, Robert and Lori, and Richard and Tina, his nine grandchildren Gerry III, Lisa, Thomas, Danielle, Robert, Nicole, Deanna, Richard Jr. and Joseph, brothers Bernard and Albert, and his sister Sohphia.