Gregory Gerard Ginnane, formerly of Yorktown Heights, Dies At 61

Gregory Gerard Ginnane, formerly of Yorktown Heights, died March 28, 2019, at the age of 61.

Greg, who was born May 24, 1957, lived at least two lifetimes in his too short stay in the world. Between New York and Colorado, between his creativity and athleticism, and his ability to deeply ponder life’s mysteries and yet construct the silliest dad-puns you’ve ever heard, he enjoyed a full life, and added joy to those lucky enough to be near him. Greg led with his heart and always gave his all. He was a truly authentic person who exuded great love and acceptance, and drew to him like-minded people with the same values. His life was richly lived, and we were blessed to have him in ours.

Born to Marie and Bob Ginnane in Yorktown Heights, Greg was the sixth and last child in the family. New York was the location of his child and teen years and the ground where he came of age with interests that included scouting, camping, "The Lord of the Rings" (he even baked lembas bread), gymnastics, ballet, skiing, The Beatles, The Who, and hanging out with his buddies.

Greg came to Vail, Colorado, with his good friends Bill and Judy Hagan in 1979 specifically to be a ski bum! He picked up jobs in the food industry which led to several food-related jobs, including waiter, caterer, deli chef and manager at several King Soopers. He was part owner of Falafel Man and The Mediterranean Café. He tried his hand at personal investment trading, and finally landed in a career as a respiratory therapist. He was most recently employed at UCHealth Hospital in Aurora where he embraced and loved his work in respiratory care. He was a critical care specialist, educator and preceptor who championed wound care protocols for tracheostomy patients. During his 10 years at UCHealth, Greg bonded strongly with his co-workers and patients alike. He was known for going the extra mile in his work; he sometimes even transported his ventilated patients outside to the hospital's garden to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. This was a rare pleasure for them to be able to enjoy nature, and no easy feat — it required a lot of support from nursing to help coordinate the logistics to see it through.

Even more importantly Colorado provided the high point of Greg’s life — the creation of a family. He met Felice as a co-worker at a King Soopers in 1986 and common interests along with birth dates only three days apart drew them together. They married in 1996 and parented two children, Eric and Felice, and grand-parented Alyse, Brennan and Leona. His family over the years incorporated unique and beloved dogs: Magic, Abigail, Cooper, Zsi-Zsi, Smokey and Dino.

Greg continued to love to ski and pursued motorcycling, scuba diving, geology, astronomy, cooking and cake decorating. Co-workers will attest to his amazing contributions to potlucks and birthday parties. Who can forget the brain cake baked for a much loved UCHealth neurosurgeon’s (Dr. Neuman) birthday, the lung cake for Respiratory Awareness week, and many beautiful and creative family birthday cakes?

Greg had a natural relationship to his spirituality. He once described a field trip as a child to a nearby cathedral in New York, where he read a description about the oneness of god, or of the church’s concept of unity. He said at this point a picture came into his mind that illustrated the connection of all things; he would later come to know and recognize the pattern he envisioned as a Mandala, and since that time loved and respected the symbol.

Greg is survived by his wife Felice, his step-daughter Felice, his step-son Eric, his mother Marie, his sister Mary, and brothers Bob and Mike.

A memorial and celebratory get-together will be held at Caranci Pavilion in Louisville Community Park in Louisville, Colorado, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 25.

After a scuba diving vacation in 2013 Greg wrote:

The coral of Bonaire
Nestles life of many colors
Float free forever

Greg’s lightness of being, his essence so loved by so many is reflected in those words.

Greg Ginnane — “float free forever."