Tom Gregory

Tom Gregory, of Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the age of 89.

He was born on March 8, 1937, in Lesvos, Greece, to the late Nicholas and Eleni Karagrigoriou, and grew up with his brother, Dimitri. Tom trained as a First Engineer at the University of Piraeus where he studied Maritime Engineering. He spent seventeen years in the Greek Merchant Marines, where he traveled the world and learned six languages.

On September 30, 1962, he married the love of his life, Efe Kaloumenou. Together they built a life centered on family, raising their two children, Mary (Caudill) and Menelaos. In 1970, Tom brought his family to the United States and was proud to become an American citizen.

He settled in Ashland, Ohio, where he raised his family and pursued his career in engineering as a co-founder of Advance Cylinder Corp. Tom was a devoted member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield and treasured the close-knit Greek community which he considered his extended family.

Tom found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing backgammon, tending to his vegetable gardens, fishing in his pond, and cooking for those he loved. The Fourth of July was his favorite holiday, where he welcomed all his friends and family to gather and especially enjoy the outdoor lamb rotisserie which he famously began at dawn. Above all, he loved sports and cheered for his favorite teams - the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Efe; his son, Menelaos (Cali); his daughter, Mary (Jeff) Caudill; and his six grandchildren - Nicholas (Caroline), Alex (Carley) and Eleni Caudill, Andreana, Athan (Shelby) and Evan Gregory. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Demetrios and George Karagrigoriou.

Friends may call Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., service follows at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 265 W. Third Street, Mansfield, OH 44903, with Rev. Fr. Michael Ellis, Proistamenos - Presiding Priest officiating. Burial will be at Ashland Cemetery, 523 W Main St, Ashland, OH 44805. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.