Joe De Gregorio: ‘One of the last of the great gentlemen'

It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Central Valley resident Joseph De Gregorio. I met Joe years ago when I was editor of The Photo News. I soon found him to be one of the last of the great gentlemen. Eventually he would write a column for me called “Greenthumbing.” He knew everything about flowers. As caretaker for the Harriman family and their beautiful estate, Arden, he lovingly tended their rose garden for many years. I spent lots of afternoons walking the grounds with Joe. He was a wealth of information and shared many wonderful stories with me. I learned a lot from Joe; that to give to others was a reward in itself and that every flower and every person should be treated with loving kindness. Since I moved to North Carolina 15 years ago, many of the movers and shakers of the area have passed away, among them Bob Bonney, Roberta Murphy, Mike Levine and now dear Joe. These folks have left large footprints for those who are left behind to remember and honor their memories. I am proud to have known them all and called them friends. Laura Johannesen Indian Trail, N.C.