Edgar Mark Gregory III (“Mark”), 84, of Grosse Pointe Shores, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 8, 2026. Mark was born in Detroit, MI on August 22, 1942, to Ed and Barbara Gregory.
Mark was a beloved husband of Jan for 18 years; loving father of E. Mark Gregory IV, Brad Gregory (Jessica), and Kristin Darnell (Jeff); cherished bonus dad of Tyler Rice (Nicole) and Megan Rice; proud and devoted grandfather of Griffin, Connor, and Owen Darnell, Sterling and Aria Gregory, Cody Rice (Tommi) and Sydney Rice. He was also an adoring great-grandfather of Colby and Charlotte Rice. Mark shared three children with his former wife, Linda Gregory, with whom he maintained a loving friendship and deep mutual respect throughout his life. He is also survived by his siblings, **Stephanie (“Stevie”) Miller, Scott Gregory, and Megan Tamada (Noby), as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mark moved to Grosse Pointe as a young child and called the community home for most of his life, establishing deep roots and eventually raising his family there. He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1960 before attending Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering. He later pursued graduate studies at Wayne State University, earning a master’s degree in finance.
A gifted athlete, Mark was an All-American swimmer in 1958, 1959, and 1960, and he earned state championship honors both individually and as part of a team. He went on to swim competitively for Michigan State University. He continued his love of sports throughout his life and was a longtime member of several organizations, including the Country Club of Detroit, Otsego Ski Club, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Old Club, and the Bayview Yacht Club.
Mark came from a proud family with deep local roots. The Gregory family owned the Gregory Boat Company, and Mark’s own love of the water began almost as soon as he could walk. As a boy, he spent nearly all his time on the Detroit River, running his first boat at just seven years old where he would travel between Gregory Marina and his grandparents’ home in Windsor, Canada. It was the beginning of a lifetime love of water, adventure, and independence.
For Mark, being on the water was his happy place. During the summer months, he could often be found on Lake St. Clair- occasionally fishing or anchored to let his grandchildren swim, but more often taking full advantage of his boat’s diesel engines and cruising from the Detroit River up to Harsens Island and back, most often listening to his favorite bands, Bob Seger, The Eagles and The Doobie Brothers.
Mark had never heard of Punta Gorda, Florida, until he met Jan. Little did he know it would become his beloved second home. Affectionately known to him as “The Gorda”, it allowed him to enjoy his lifelong passion for boating year-round. Over the years, he had countless adventures on the water, often with his beloved dog and faithful first mate, Bailey, by his side.
Mark’s adventurous spirit extended far beyond the water. He loved to travel and took numerous motorcycle trips around the world with friends. His stories from adventures through Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Nepal and Tibet became family favorites – stories that his family and friends never tired of hearing.
Mark remained remarkably active and on the go well into his 80s. In addition to boating, he enjoyed walks at the Ford Estate with Jan, golfing and playing pickleball with his children and grandchildren. In quieter moments, he could usually be found working a sudoku puzzle, watching Turner Classic Movies or napping on the couch with Bailey curled up beside him.
Mark began his professional career at IBM before finding his calling in banking, a career that would span decades. He worked at Bank of the Commonwealth, then quickly moved to Manufacturers Bank, which later merged with Comerica Bank. Mark served as an Executive Vice President at Comerica Bank, and he was widely viewed in the industry as a visionary—responsible for establishing and growing the middle market division at those banks into one of the most formidable in Michigan. Mark concluded his remarkable banking career at the age of 83 with Huntington Bank.
But Mark’s professional legacy was about far more than titles or accomplishments. He was most proud to call himself a mentor. He generously shared his knowledge, time and encouragement with colleagues, friends and younger professionals – including spending a short time teaching and sharing his experiences with students. He believed in helping others find their true passion, become confident leaders and succeed on their own.
In his later years, Mark also deepened his faith, returning to Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, the church in which he was baptized and raised. His faith became an increasingly meaningful part of his life, strengthened by his involvement with New Canaan Society and the friendships and fellowship he found there.
Above all, Mark loved his family. His children and grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and joy, and some of his happiest moments were spent with them – on the water, at their baseball and basketball games, traveling, playing pickleball, hitting golf balls, sharing stories or simply being together. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his independence, his loyalty to the people he loved, his endless stories and the unmistakable way he lived life fully and on his own terms.