Ed Gregory passes away

[Drawman623]

Ed was the multiple time Rhode Island pool champion. He was a 100 ball runner and in 9-ball, had one of the best breaks I ever saw. He was technical advisor for several pool shots in the movie Mr. North, filmed in Newport, RI. Ed died at the age of 54.

He was my friend and opponent/mentor in this fine game for years. I can't play without thinking of him. Now I won't play without missing him.

His obituary:

Edward T. “Freight Train” Gregory, 54, of Montgomery Street, Warwick, died August 15, 2009 at Faulkner Hospital. Born in Providence, he was a beloved son of Robert R. Gregory Sr. of Warwick and the late Helen E. (Anderson) Gregory. Mr. Gregory was a truck driver for Crete Carrier Corp. for 10 years. He was a former Rhode Island State Pool champion. He was the caring brother of Robert R. Gregory Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Pittsburg, Pa. and Richard R. Gregory and his wife, Joanne, of Cranston; cherished uncle of Shannon, Jonathan and Christopher Gregory; and loving companion of Peggy Iacuele. His funeral will be held Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. from Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 3250 Post Road, Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Aug. 19 from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to St. Catherine of Siena Church, 3250 Post Rd., Warwick, RI 02886 would be appreciated. For information and guestbook visit www.murphyfuneralhomes.org.

 

[jay helfert]

Sorry to hear that. I didn't realize that Ed was so young. He played in the Caesars Tahoe tourney in 1983 that Earl won by beating Mizerak in the finals. Ed was a good guy and good player, always a pleasure to be around. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone. That's the Ed Gregory I remember.

 

[JAM]

So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace!

 

[Vahmurka]

Our prayers to him and his family. R.I.P. Mr Gregory.

 

[tom mcgonagle]

There wasn't anyone I knew, that loved the game more than Eddie. Thanks for all the great matches we shared. It was a pleasure knowing you.

To many of us are dying, to soon. We deserve better.

 

[Drawman623]

My most vivid memory of Eddie came in the 80's when Kingstown Bowl had a room full of Brunswick 9 footers. Eddie was often invited to practice there all night and I was occasionally his opponent.

When he was really in a groove, running 4,5 and 6 packs in 9-ball, he would have some fun. His pre break routine was to powder his bridge hand liberally then the shaft and then blow the excess of his fingers. it would send a jet of powder out that would hold in the air like the haze of smoke that was always there after a busy night.

I might take a moment to watch the pattern the powder took as it spun in the air but then Crack...the break started his next run. The rhythm of a master player is something special to watch.

 

[Lidlchris]

I must know some of you on here. I'm 10 years late hearing the news about my old friend Eddie. Ed taught me real pool when I owned Greenwich Billiards in Rhode island. He taught me the jump shot, masses, and cue ball control. He was at my place almost every day. We also used to hang out at Kingston bowl and a bar in downtown East Greenwich, where he was the bouncer and lived above it with 3 tables. Perhaps the nicest pool player I will ever meet. And always willing to help and chat. He made me a better pool player and person just hanging out. Rest in peace my good friend. Hope we will meet again some day.