Daniel J. Gregoire

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel J Gregoire (61) of Milford, NH, beloved father, son, brother, and uncle. Dan succumbed to cancer on June 11, 2024.

Dan was born on August 7, 1962. Raised in Nashua, Dan attended St Joseph Elementary School and then Nashua Public Schools, graduating from Nashua High School in 1980. Dan enjoyed playing sports throughout his school years, both for organized teams and with his friends. He was often outside playing a pick-up game of street hockey, driveway basketball, lawn football and street whiffleball with his neighborhood gang. Later, it was not unusual to find a 7-year-old at the back door, asking if 22-year-old Dan could ‘come out and play’. Dan did not hesitate to head out the door and enjoy a round of hoops with the neighborhood children.

Dan continued his education at Nashua Vocational/ Technical College and went on to a long career with Digital Equipment Corporation and eventually with Fidelity Investments. He never stopped challenging himself and worked hard to provide for his family.

Dan was loyal to and protective of his family, even as a child, often coming to his sisters’ rescue as only a big brother could. Dan enjoyed spending time with his sons, Corey and Cameron, and shared his love of music, sports and comedy with them. He proudly attended their sporting events and was often on the sidelines, coaching one of their teams. They enjoyed camping trips and made many memories together visiting mini golf courses and Funworld, a favorite recreational spot for the three. Dan taught himself to play guitar and encouraged his boys to learn an instrument as well, talents they gratefully enjoy now as adults. A loving father, Dan balanced practicality and firmness with tenderness and lots of laughter. If you committed an offense, no one was safe from one of his fleeting but effective glares. Dan was especially sweet to his mother Rachel, never forgetting to cheer her with flowers on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. He adored his nieces and nephews, and he opened his home to his niece Danya for several months, allowing her to enjoy her senior year of high school among some longtime friends. Dan loved participating in family events and holidays, especially Christmas celebrations, and truly enjoyed every moment spent with his loved ones. One of Dan’s favorite pastimes was stirring the pot at family gatherings, as it was a great source of his amusement to participate in the sometimes mildly heated discussions that ensued. He will be remembered for his dry, sharp sense of humor, yet another trait he passed on to his sons, along with the trademark Gregoire stubborn streak.

While Dan’s final weeks and hours were spent surrounded by loved ones, there can be no sugarcoating the reality. He suffered during the 18 months after his diagnosis. The real tragedy lies in the abject indifference of the insurance companies and the medical professionals who are counted on to help patients in their time of need. Phone calls were left unreturned, procedures cancelled, and doctor’s orders criminally delayed, giving his cancer the upper hand and expediting his end. Dan’s fate, like many patients in the US, was dictated by profit margins. The only solace was provided by his loving sons and by the compassionate team of nurses and volunteers from Home Health and Hospice Care of Merrimack. Sadly, Dan was only one of millions of Americans who find themselves a mere number, fighting for a higher standard of care that should be granted to everyone. We all need to speak up and demand more of our woefully inadequate medical system.

Dan is predeceased by his father, Omer A Gregoire of Nashua.

He is survived by his mother, Rachel Gregoire of Lyndeborough; by his son Corey Gregoire of Milford, his son Cameron Gregoire and daughter in law Sydney Gregoire of Nashua; his brother Donald Gregoire, whereabouts unknown; his sister Diane Bell and her husband Bob of Lyndeborough; his sister Denise Rosengrant of Lyndeborough; nephews Matthew Rosengrant of West Virginia and Jesse Rosengrant of Nashua; niece Kiley Rosengrant and her husband Gabriel Gutierrez and their daughter Elliana of Lyndeborough; niece Danya Bell of Lyndeborough, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home Health and Hospice Care of Merrimack, or to the American Cancer Society.

Calling hours will be held from 5pm-6pm on Thursday, June 20, 2024 with a memorial service immediately following, at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH, 03055.