“Do things from the heart – not for the publicity” ~ Johnny
John H. Greenberg, 68, of Brazoria answered the call to come home on June 5, 2019. He passed away peacefully at his residence after a long battle with ALS with his wife Gail by his side. He was born on June 7, 1950 in Wharton, Texas to Jack and Phyllis Greenberg.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Brazos Pointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson with Pastor Michael Acres officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 10, 2019 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia.
He graduated from Brazosport High School in 1969. Johnny grew up in Lake Jackson and cherished spending his summers in Brazoria with his grandparents, Boo and Charles Hendrix. It was during these summers that his passion for Brazoria Telephone Company began. Johnny could always be found by his grandfather’s side wanting to learn every aspect of the company. After high school he attended Southwest Texas State University where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, developing friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
After college he started his lifelong career at Brazoria Telephone Company. On November 24, 1973 he married Gail Kapalski and they have enjoyed 45 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had three children, Gretchen Russell and husband Michael, Charlie Greenberg and wife Kimberly, and Rachael Miksch and husband Brad. Johnny and Gail’s family continued to lovingly grow with grandchildren Hagen Greenberg 13, Abigail Miksch 11, Amery Greenberg 10, Grant Russell 9, Drew Miksch 8, Walker Russell 8, Hadley Greenberg 7, Leah Miksch 6, as well as a blessing grandchild, Kary Groce and husband Jackie and their children Luke Groce 3 and Ella Groce 10 months.
Johnny was a man of honor and integrity who prided himself on always being truthful, fair, and giving selflessly to others. During his time, he received numerous awards and accomplishments, some of which included Brazoria Masonic Lodge “Community Builders Award”, being inducted into the Brazoria County Business Hall of Fame, the prestigious Neville Haynes Award given by the Texas Telephone Association, 2015 Philanthropist of the Year, Honorary member of BVFD, and the distinguished 2018 Humanitarian Award. He was also involved in many organizations, such as Brazoria Chamber of Commerce, The Lions Club, Texas Telephone Association, Brazoria Heritage Foundation, and served 15 years on the CBISD school board.
The things that brought Johnny the greatest joys in life were Brazoria Telephone Company (Btel), golfing with friends & his buddies in Alabama, Aggie football, enjoying time at his dream ranch in the Texas hill country, and last but certainly not least his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Hank”.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Phyllis Greenberg, grandparents, Boo and Charles Hendrix and Ike and Harriet Greenberg and sister, Debbie Rasco.
Along with his wife, children, and grandchildren, those left to cherish his memory are sisters Kathy Goolsby and husband Kenneth, Gail Rogers and husband Richard, Lisa Goolsby and husband Jason, and brother-in-law, Gil Rasco along with two special honorary brothers Jonathan Champagne and Joey Roye and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Honorary pallbearers include the Btel Employees and members of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Serving as pallbearers are Rick Patterson, Russell Brigance, Bruce Correll, Wade Aucoin, Ken Goolsby, Chris Rogers, Rhett Goolsby and Jason Danford.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Johnny’s name to the ALS Association Texas Chapter, 4939 DeZavala, Suite 105, San Antonio, Texas 78249.
