I have such fond memories of our Saguaro High's footall running back darting quickly down the field wearing those trend-setting white shoes. And let's not forget the boy in the horned rimmed glasses at the first dance our sophomore year. He stole the heart of every girl in attendance. He took me to an ASU football game that same season, and that was the first time I was charmed by this handsome, soft spoken and very COOL guy. I have had the pleasure of sharing many reunions, many conversations and an occasional mountain hike into adulthood. Greg will forever stand out as a special person in my life. His sly grin and quick wit will be missed by all. Thank you, Greg, for enriching my life. ~paula piazza bandura
Paula, that was a wonderful tribute to Greg. I remember Greg as someone that was so approachable, someone that I felt cared about everyone. Many of us know that in high school it is not that easy!!!! Greg was a person that you knew just had that spirit in him that flowed out of him that I think and I can only speak for myself but that made everyone comfortable that met him. He was a person that I never felt judged others and was always himself authentic . I remember him having an infectious smile and laughter and someone who I would say was bigger than life !! I never felt the Greg didn't identify himself as being the football player or one of the popular kids! I think he was unique and special and drew all classmates close to him!! I didn't have the opportunity after high school except perhaps at our 10 year reunion to see Greg. I would ask my sister-in-law Denise about him especially around reunion times. I did not know he was sick but what I have read about him in the years after my four years knowing him it sounds like he lived a full and wonderful life. I wish his wife and his family many blessings and know not just myself but many classmates that he will be greatly missed. God bless Him and his family. Brenda Chadwick Burke
I am still reeling in a world without my friend, Augie. I was fortunate to have taught with Greg for nearly 10 years. Our MCRSD student population could be daunting at times, and I never could have taught those kids without his help and support. Let me tell you, Greg made a difference in this world . . . in the lives of all his students. He understood their challenges, their frustrations, their issues with substance abuse, and their desire to make something of themselves. Greg believed in them. They loved and respected him in return and looked upon him as a benevolent father figure.
I was lucky to have him as a friend, and even after our teaching days were over, we continued to check in with each other - going for hikes, grabbing breakfast at Whole Foods, meeting up for lunch in Phoenix or Pine, or getting together for Thai food with our spouses. Even before Greg was diagnosed with cancer, he lived his life with great gusto . . . enjoying his Harley rides, going to see every"oldies" band that came to town, going on drive-alongs with the Phoenix Police Department, attending college and professional basketball games, hanging out with his many Saguaro home boys, and reveling in the company of his beloved Sunny and daughter Jolie, who kept him grounded.
We were all blessed and privileged to have him in our lives and we all mourn his passing. Saguaro's Class of 1970 will never be the same without him.
I didn't know you well, but well enough to call you my friend. I didn't see you often, but I will miss you terribly. Your leaving takes my breath away.
Today we said our final farewell to a classmate that had a heart of gold and was such a great example for all of us. Greg was a sweet honorable man who cared for all that he came in contact with. So many loving words were spoken and so many friends to say their final goodbyes and show support for the remaining family members. It is a time to celebrate a life well lived and know that we will have another reunion again when we leave this world. Sending love and peaceful thought to all that are grieving at this time.
Paula Piazza (Bandura)
I have such fond memories of our Saguaro High's footall running back darting quickly down the field wearing those trend-setting white shoes. And let's not forget the boy in the horned rimmed glasses at the first dance our sophomore year. He stole the heart of every girl in attendance. He took me to an ASU football game that same season, and that was the first time I was charmed by this handsome, soft spoken and very COOL guy. I have had the pleasure of sharing many reunions, many conversations and an occasional mountain hike into adulthood. Greg will forever stand out as a special person in my life. His sly grin and quick wit will be missed by all. Thank you, Greg, for enriching my life. ~paula piazza bandura
Brenda Chadwick (Burke)
Paula, that was a wonderful tribute to Greg. I remember Greg as someone that was so approachable, someone that I felt cared about everyone. Many of us know that in high school it is not that easy!!!! Greg was a person that you knew just had that spirit in him that flowed out of him that I think and I can only speak for myself but that made everyone comfortable that met him. He was a person that I never felt judged others and was always himself authentic . I remember him having an infectious smile and laughter and someone who I would say was bigger than life !! I never felt the Greg didn't identify himself as being the football player or one of the popular kids! I think he was unique and special and drew all classmates close to him!! I didn't have the opportunity after high school except perhaps at our 10 year reunion to see Greg. I would ask my sister-in-law Denise about him especially around reunion times. I did not know he was sick but what I have read about him in the years after my four years knowing him it sounds like he lived a full and wonderful life. I wish his wife and his family many blessings and know not just myself but many classmates that he will be greatly missed. God bless Him and his family. Brenda Chadwick Burke
Denise Blied (Burke)
I am still reeling in a world without my friend, Augie. I was fortunate to have taught with Greg for nearly 10 years. Our MCRSD student population could be daunting at times, and I never could have taught those kids without his help and support. Let me tell you, Greg made a difference in this world . . . in the lives of all his students. He understood their challenges, their frustrations, their issues with substance abuse, and their desire to make something of themselves. Greg believed in them. They loved and respected him in return and looked upon him as a benevolent father figure.
I was lucky to have him as a friend, and even after our teaching days were over, we continued to check in with each other - going for hikes, grabbing breakfast at Whole Foods, meeting up for lunch in Phoenix or Pine, or getting together for Thai food with our spouses. Even before Greg was diagnosed with cancer, he lived his life with great gusto . . . enjoying his Harley rides, going to see every"oldies" band that came to town, going on drive-alongs with the Phoenix Police Department, attending college and professional basketball games, hanging out with his many Saguaro home boys, and reveling in the company of his beloved Sunny and daughter Jolie, who kept him grounded.
We were all blessed and privileged to have him in our lives and we all mourn his passing. Saguaro's Class of 1970 will never be the same without him.
Denise Blied Burke
Linda White (Ruddick)
Dear Greg,
I didn't know you well, but well enough to call you my friend. I didn't see you often, but I will miss you terribly. Your leaving takes my breath away.
Linda White Ruddick
Kathy Ferguson (Raney)
Today we said our final farewell to a classmate that had a heart of gold and was such a great example for all of us. Greg was a sweet honorable man who cared for all that he came in contact with. So many loving words were spoken and so many friends to say their final goodbyes and show support for the remaining family members. It is a time to celebrate a life well lived and know that we will have another reunion again when we leave this world. Sending love and peaceful thought to all that are grieving at this time.
Kathy Ferguson Raney