Al Gregory

Alfred L. “Al Gregory” DiGregorio passed away Monday, February 26, 2024. 
 
 Al was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Mildred and Salvatore DiGregorio on December 13, 1929. He lived in Brooklyn until he was 19 years old. At that time, after graduating from Lafayette High School, he received an athletic scholarship to St. John's University.
 
 Before entering college, Al played with a team called “Brooklyn Against The World”. This team was sponsored by the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper. Following his high school graduation and attending St. John's University, AI signed a professional baseball contract with the Boston Braves. He then was scouted and signed by the New York Giants minor league program.

During his travel with the NY Giants, he was sent to Lenior, North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Genene lcenhour. They were married in December of 1951 and that is where Al's baseball career ended and his broadcasting career began. He began his career as an announcer at WJRI in Lenoir. From Lenior, they moved to Johnson City, TN to work for WETB Radio as program director. He then was hired by radio and TV station WJHL, owned by W.H. Lancaster, Jr. and Sr. He remained at WJHL-TV as broadcaster, did promotions and was program director for 37 years until he retired. AI also was a co-owner in Alpine Liquor Store for many years.

Al was very much involved in community affairs. He was on the Board of Directors of the Johnson City Boy's Club, coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams, as well as serving the United Way, Washington County Cancer Society, and on the steering committee that started the “Hospice” program. He served on the very first board of Johnson City Volunteer Program and was elected emeritus member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
 
  For many years, he was also on the Board for the Appalachian Fair as well as producing the “Dawn of Hope Telethon. Al was an avid tennis player and made many good friends while playing through the years. He was also an involved member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Al is preceded in death by his wife, Genene; parents, Mildred and Salvatore; two brothers, Vincent and Salvatore; four sisters, El Vera, Edith, Rose and Josephine; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

AI and Genene are survived by: two children, Alfred S. Digregorio (Robin) and Kathryn Hatjioannou (Jason); two granddaughters, Alison Fussell (Matt) and Lauren Snapp (Scott); six great grandchildren, Ryan, Avery, Luke, Reynolds Fussell, Caroline and Blair Snapp.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City, TN. Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 PM with committal afterward at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Father Dustin Collins will be officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are all of Al's tennis buddies through the years and the round table lunch bunch at the Firehouse.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Everlan, NHC, and Amedisys Hospice Care of Johnson City.