in memoriam

In Memory of Gregory J. Urban

January 7, 2024


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Gregory Joseph Urban (59) was born on October 30, 1964 in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was son to Joseph Urban and Dolores (nee Sacilowski). Gregory was raised in Cranford, New Jersey and attended Cranford High School where he was a varsity wrestler for the cougars. Gregory graduated from Cranford High school in 1983 and then went to work at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he was an Environmental Engineer for 33 years. Gregory was a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus in Garwood since 1987. Gregory moved to Roselle Park in 1994 with his best friend Denise, where they raised 2 children together. Gregory was a football coach to his son, an active member in the community, and a member of the Roselle Park Fire Department for 30 years. Throughout his career, Gregory was very proud to have been on the front line during the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 cleanup and recovery as well as after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Gregory was loved by and loved every person he met. Greg never failed to take any and all opportunities to crack a dad joke, a corny one at that. Greg always wanted to put a smile on people’s face and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. There was never a time you could be in a room with him where he would not make you smile and laugh until you cried. Greg was a wealth of knowledge and imparted wisdom and anyone and everyone he could. Greg was a dedicated father, son, brother, and friend. Gregory is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Dolores Urban. Gregory is survived by his children Alison and Ryan Urban, his 2 brothers Lawrence and Jonathan Urban, his sister Catherine Anclien, loving dog and fur baby Marley, and best friends Denise and Ronald DeVaughn. Gregory was a beloved member of his community and will be missed massively by every person who has come into contact with. In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to donate to the Roselle Park Fire Department in his name.

Visitation will be 4 to 8pm on Thursday, January 11, 2023 in the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave., Roselle Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 12, 2023 at 10am at Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park. Please be at the funeral home at 8:45am. Interment will follow to Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth. A repast will be held after for friends and family.

His friends at the Port Authority were saddened to learn of the passing of Gregory J. Urban, a 34-year PA veteran who dedicated his life to public service in more ways than one. Greg joined the agency on December 4, 1989, as an Assistant Environmental Engineer in the Engineering Department. Greg dedicated his whole agency career to the Engineering Department. He supported cleanup and recovery efforts following the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing and September 11, 2001 WTC terrorist attacks. Greg also worked on the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project (“Raise the Roadway”) and the demolition of the original Goethals Bridge. He most recently served in the Construction Management Division’s Environmental Field Operations Group, assigned as Facility Supervisor for Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals. In addition to his Port Authority responsibilities, Greg was a member of the Roselle Park Fire Department for 30 years. Greg is survived by his children Alison and Ryan, his brothers Lawrence and Jonathan, his sister Catherine, and his dog Marley. In lieu of flowers, Greg’s family asks that donations be made to the Roselle Park Fire Department. We ask that you please keep Greg and his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.