James C. Greely III Obituary

James C. Greely III, 86, beloved husband of Helen M. (Otto) Greely, of Gloucester, passed away June 14th after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Gloucester on January 5, 1936, son of the late James C. Greely Jr. and Mary (Flatley) Greely. He was President of Gloucester High School Class of 1953 and served as Cadet Colonel of the ROTC. He also captained both the baseball and basketball teams. After graduation he attended Tufts University and served in the National Guard. He then proudly carried on the family business, James C. Greely Funeral Service, until his retirement in 1999.

Jim served on the Board of Directors at Bank Gloucester for 40 years, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Gloucester Rotary Club, and Bass Rocks Golf Club.

He leaves behind his loving wife Helen of nearly 64 years and four children: Debbie Reef and husband Howard of Boston, Julie Napolitano and husband John of Rowley, James Greely IV and wife Regina of Gloucester, and Kimberly Best and husband Christopher of Ipswich. He also adored his grandchildren, Blake Reef, Kerry Reef and wife Elyse, Brianna (Napolitano) and husband Justin Gelotte, Monica Napolitano and companion Josh Mele and great-grandson Emerson James Gelotte. He is also survived by his siblings Noreen Colantuono and husband Walter, Gerald Greely and wife Maryann, John Greely and wife Frani and Nancy Greely.

He was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Greely.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 21st from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 22nd at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Kindly omit flowers. Please consider a donation in Jim's name to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute.