Jack McGreevey with Daughter, Sharon McGreevey 2019
*File Photo

Memorial Day is coming up and as always, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Recently, we heard of the death of James McGreevey and all that knew him, knew that his life’s work was making sure that Veteran’s were taken care of by receiving the benefits they so richly deserved.

Those who die in service also have survivors and it is important that they are taken care of. I’m pretty sure that Mr. McGreevey also made sure that the survivors receive the benefits they were entitled to. In this issue, there is a statement from our 19th District Representatives who wrote a letter mourning his loss and the lessons they learned from him. What stood out to me on that letter, is that Mr. McGreevey considered all who he served with as his brothers. 

Often when we would go to the Reo Diner in Woodbridge, we would see Mr. McGreevey sitting there dining with others. When he would spot us, he would always have a big smile on his face, which always made us happy. He was always someone that you would enjoy running into.

In June 2019, Senator Joseph Vitale invited Katherine and I on the bus ride to visit the USS New York docked in New York Harbor. I received the invitation and he asked if my father who he knew was a WWII Veteran would also come on the trip. I told him unfortunately my father passed away in 2010.

That day started out with a light breakfast at the Woodbridge Community Center. Several Veterans were honored. Jack McGreevey, his daughter Sharon, Senator Joe Vitale, Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormack. Former Governor James McGreevey was also in attendance. I remember that Woodbridge Mayor McCormack was delighted because it was the first time he was going on this trip. 

We were so honored to be in the presence of all these Veterans and it is a day we will always remember. I can just imagine that when Mr. McGreevey was greeted at the Pearly Gates by St. Peter, and when the gates were open, the first one he would see will be his wife. Then God will take McGreevey’s hand and will lead him to this special building, and when they open the door, all of his brothers that he served with will be there to salute him  and he will salute them back. They will then sit for a meal like they did in the mess hall, and it will be one of  the best meals they ever had in their lives.

We salute Jack McGreevey for his service to our country, to our state, to the Veterans, and to the survivors of those who died in the line of duty.

His wake will be held on Tuesday, May 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 7 Locust St., Carteret, NJ 07008. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the church Wednesday, May 18 at 10 a.m. Arrangements by Chubenko Funeral Home of Woodbridge. C.M.