During a family bedside vigil, Gregory Charles Werner, 57, of Palmer Township, peacefully passed away Wednesday morning, December 26, 2018 at his residence, the home where he grew up. Born July 9, 1961, in Easton, he was a beloved son of Evelyn M. Frace Werner and the late Walter J. Werner Sr.

Just like the title of his favorite movie, "It Was a Wonderful Life!"

Gregory was born with Down syndrome during a time when expectations of such children was quite limiting. Contrary to this, Greg exceeded all expectations by living a life that was full of accomplishment in addition to much love and joy. He attended various schools with Northampton County's IU 20 and, upon completion, was invited to participate in the Easton High School Commencement ceremony, class of 1982. This remained a great source of pride throughout his life. Later he was employed by Wood Food Company at Easton Hospital, Via of Lehigh Valley workshop and Martin Guitar from where he retired after 10 years of dedicated service. He strongly believed that his work contributions were "very important" and he refused to miss a day's work.

An athlete, Greg trained with IU 20 Special Olympics at a young age subsequently becoming a member of the Bethlehem Special Olympics (BSO) Program in 1983. Although he excelled in swimming, he also enjoyed cross country skiing, basketball, volleyball, soccer and bowling. Over his lifetime, he travelled and took part in many sports tournaments throughout Pennsylvania, including numerous Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (SOPA) games held at State College and he had a lot of fun at the SOPA multi-sports Training Camp at Antiochian Village. In 1990 he was inducted into the BSO Hall of Fame.

Although he was an endurance swimmer, a true highlight of his life was attending the Special Olympics World Games held in Minneapolis during 1991, where he won a bronze medal for the 50 meter freestyle. Other awards include the SOPA's Chairman's Award for Male Athlete of the Year in 2002, BSO recognition as MVP for cross-country skiing (2005), volleyball (2006 & 2008), and a Certificate of Recognition for Vocational Achievement presented by Northampton County in 2007.

Outside of organized sports, during summers he enjoyed spending time with his family at Lake Wallenpaupack, driving Uncle Bob's boat, swimming and tubing from one end of the lake to the other until he had to be told to stop. During other seasons, he liked to go out to eat, attend as many social functions as he could and volunteer with the Bethlehem Knights of Columbus at Christmas time for charitable contributions.

With his endearing and engaging personality, Greg was a recognized figure throughout the community. He regularly attended Easton High School football and Lafayette basketball games with his brother where he was sometimes featured on local TV while dancing in the stands. He loved to dance, he loved all the pretty girls and to be quite honest he simply loved ALL people as evidenced by the chagrin of his sister when he constantly waved to everyone including strangers. Besides being a gentleman, it seemed that Greg naturally was a very good spirit, a good sport and great person. However those who knew him understood that he also excelled with the help, resiliency and support of family, particularly through the tireless efforts of his mother Evelyn. Through her enduring love, she devoted her life to Greg's development and well-being. To her credit, she never accepted the imposed limitation of a Down syndrome child born during the 1960's.

An avid bowler, Greg was a member of the Handicap Bowling League, organized by the MORA Club at Town & Country Lanes - Bethlehem, for 48 years, and a lifelong member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Palmer Twp.

In addition to his mother Evelyn, Greg is survived by a brother, Richard F. Werner and his wife Rebecca of Allentown, and a sister, Patricia A. Werner of Nazareth; four nieces, Denise Werner of Newark Valley, NY, Janyne Ackerman of Easton, Jacquelyn Gargone of Wilson Boro, Heather Trouy and husband Andy of Wasilla, AK, and one nephew, Michael Werner and wife Denise of Nazareth; numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles cousins and of course, very close friends. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Walter J. Werner Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January1, from 5:30 – 8 pm in the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth and Wednesday morning, January 2, from 9:30-10:30 am in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Easton (Palmer Twp.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 am, in the church, with Reverend Father David Anthony officiating. Gregory will be laid to rest in Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Greg's name may be offered to "Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Bethlehem", PO Box 536, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or to the "Handicap Bowling League", in c/o Rev. John Coble, 1929 Pelham Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018.