Gregory Formey

Gregory Formey (known to many as Butch) was born June 6, 1954 in Brooklyn (Bed-Stuy) to the late Odessa and Leroy Formey Sr. He was the third of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara, his brother Leroy Jr. and his children's mother Patricia.

At an early age Gregory (Butch) developed a love for knowledge. As a young boy growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant he attended P.S 309, JHS 35 and graduated from Franklin K. Lane H.S. in 1972. He became a history buff and a connoisseur of vocabulary. He loved to talk and share his knowledge and wisdom with others. He could go on and on AND on for hours, unless you stopped him.

Growing up he had many friends, one of his best friends was Gerald (Shack). He really loved the entire Baugh family. From an early age Gregory (Butch) enjoyed spending time with them so much so that he would often say he was going to change his last name to theirs. That was until he met one of the Sheares. He fell in love and started a family with Patricia Sheares. Also, he loved both of her parents and appreciated their guidance.

Gregory (Butch) loved all people no matter what. He loved his children's friends and they even called him Dad. He loved his sister Barbara as a second mother and took her children on like he was their big brother. He was very close to his nephews and nieces, especially Arnold and Ayoka. He wanted to see people happy. That was his way; including feeding the less fortunate and lending a helping hand to others. That would always make his day.

Gregory (Butch) had many passions in life. One of them was fashion. As a young man he would buy material from Delancey Street to create his tailor made pants, which he would design from start to finish. He would say, "You see what they're wearing. I'm not wearing that." He LOVED being different. He also enjoyed cooking. His favorite meals were seafood dishes and lasagna with tons of cheese, which he would often prepare in large portions to share with others.

Gregory (Butch) also had a passion for music. He loved jazz music. This was his favorite genre. He would dance to the rhythms and sounds of the beat and would often be caught playing an imaginary instrument alongside the various tunes. He called jazz, "Real music, not that nonsense y'all listen to." Jazz was his source of relaxation.

Gregory (Butch)'s first job was a summer internship at a law firm that led to his career as a mail clerk with the State Insurance Fund for 20 years. In 1992, he was hired with MTA as a train conductor. He was so excited for the opportunity to learn something new. He prided himself on being able to serve and keep his passengers safe. He worked along the "C Line" until his retirement in 2009. He worked all his life and never looked for a handout.

During his retirement, Gregory (Butch) moved upstate New York to live near his children and grandchildren. This gave him plenty of time to be with them. With his family, he mostly enjoyed; telling jokes that would embarrass them, watching movies, going food shopping, and eating out at his favorite restaurants. He loved his family so much and didn't mind letting the ENTIRE world know it.

Gregory is survived by his sister; Judy, his children; Dawn (Frank), Lynese (Shawn), Thalisha, and Gregory, his grandchildren; Trevel (Samantha), Chawn, Elijah, Jordan and Sanders, his great-grandchildren; Chawn, Zinnia and Yarrow, nephews; Arnold, his nieces; Ayoka, Patricia, Latoshya, Latanya and Latavia and a host of cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, and many friends.