Gregory F. Debrocke, age 73, of Methuen passed away peacefully after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by his family at the Holy Family Hospital on September 18, 2015. Greg was born on June 27, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Harry and Mary (Folmer) Debrocke. He was a decorated US Army Captain (Transportation Corps) who served his country proudly in the Vietnam Conflict. Greg was a disabled veteran who was also an advocate that petitioned for disabled veterans returning from active duty with medical needs that were either ignored or denied. Gregory was also a member of the Methuen Disability Commission and helped the City of Methuen provide accessible services to those citizens with special needs. Gregory was a successful local business owner as well as a member and former president of the Methuen Exchange Club. Gregory was an avid sports fan who loved all of the New England franchises. He thought the NFL Commissioner was a snake and later in life, enjoyed watching and handicapping NASCAR races.
Gregory was the beloved husband of Victoria (Chidichimo) Debrocke with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Matthew Debrocke and his wife Allyson (Golec) of Salem, NH, Robbie Debrocke and his wife Tracey (Boyer) of Methuen, MA and Catherine Debrocke Kulik and her husband Matthew of Amesbury, MA. Gregory, better known as Papa to his family, was the grandfather to 6 grandchildren: Jack, Celia, Joah, Logan, Avery and Mila. He took great pride in his grandchildren and experienced tremendous joy being a professional grandfather in retirement. He was the dear brother of Carol Wendt and Timothy Debrocke, both from AZ.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Saint Lucy's Parish. Interment with full military honors to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Debrocke’s memory may be made to the Methuen Exchange Club P.O. Box 1008, Methuen, MA 01844 or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 374, Lawrence, MA 01842. or directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Debrocke Family.