Gregory Olley, devoted to his family

GREGORY Michael Olley found peace and relief from his pain in the Bible.

In the midst of the chronic pain he suffered in recent years, he would turn to Matthew chapter 4, in which Jesus heals those who were brought to him with "divers diseases and torments," and chapter 5, the Beatitudes.

His Bible was left open to those New Testament chapters when he died Sunday. He was 54 and lived in Havertown.

Gregory Olley, called "Gregg" by family and friends, had led a life of variety and accomplishment. His endeavors ranged from disc jockey, mascot of a soccer team, environmental supervisor for two hospitals and a nursing home, and manager of a store and a parking lot and the front desk of a hotel.

He was also a devoted Catholic who, for a time, participated in the charismatic revivals, which emphasize prophecy, healing and glossolalia (speaking in tongues).

He also found comfort and strength in his relationship with his good friend, the Rev. Charles Fall.

Gregg suffered from fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain in joints and muscles, and from respiratory problems. He went on disability about five years ago.

Gregg was a hard worker, giving his full dedication to whatever activity he undertook, and was devoted to his family. He raised five children and imbued them with the same values that guided his own life.

"He taught us to work as hard as you can, on the small tasks and the big," said Christine Olley, a Daily News reporter and one of his three daughters.

"He always encouraged teamwork and togetherness in his work, and that extended to his family. If plans didn't work out, you had to accept that it just wasn't meant to be."

Gregg was born in Philadelphia to the late James Olley and the former Vivian Freebury. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1971 and attended Biscayne College in Florida for a time. He finished his college at Temple University, earning a bachelor's degree in communication.

In 1979, he was doing commentary for radio station WCOJ in Coatesville for the games of the former Philadelphia Fever of the Major Indoor Soccer League. When the opportunity arose to take over the role of the team's mascot, Socceroo, he happily donned the purple-and- red costume and performed at games.

His future wife, Marypat Potterton, was working in the team's publicity department. One of her jobs was to pass out press notices to the reporters. Gregg was doing commentary at the time and got the press notices - and a wife. They were married on April 30, 1981.

Gregg also worked as a DJ for the Coatesville station in the late '70s and early '80s, playing contemporary music.

He also worked with Schaffer Sound Productions, which sent him to weddings, parties and other events to play records and keep the parties jumping.

Gregg became front-desk manager for the Hershey Hotel and worked there until he joined Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 1988 as supervisor of environmental services. He supervised the second and third shifts of cleaning crews.

He assumed the same position at Shriner's Hospital from 1992 to 1995, and later at the White Horse Village in Newtown Square.

Gregg managed a NASCAR collectibles store in the King of Prussia Mall, then ran the Airpark parking facility at Philadelphia International Airport.

He also was a Republican committeeman in the 2nd Ward in Delaware County for a time.

He was a former member of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Wynnewood, and later at Sacred Heart Church in Havertown, where he served as a eucharistic minister and as a spiritual counselor for couples about to marry.

"Even though he was a shy person, he was always good at talking to people," said his wife. "He was always all about making people work together. That was just his way."

Gregg was the epitome of the devoted father. When his children learned to drive, he saw to it that each got a car.

He was also devoted to his wife.

"When he married Mom, he told her he was going to love her and take care of her, and he did," Christine said.

Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by two sons, Matthew and James; two other daughters, Rebecca and Julie; a sister, Kathryn Macintosh, and three brothers, John, Dennis and Kevin. He was predeceased by a brother, the Rev. James M. Olley, and a sister, Therese Dougherty.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Church, Manoa and Shelbourne roads, Havertown. Friends may call at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Donohue Funeral Home, West Chester Pike and Lynn Blvd, Upper Darby. Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple. *