WALEN, Gregory Mark “Greg”

March 23, 1956 – August 28, 2022

Gregory M. “Greg” Walen, 66,  passed away on Sunday,  August 28, 2022, at his home in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by loved ones.

Greg was born in Tampa to parents John and Phyllis Walen. He attended Plant High School. In 1979, he moved to Northwest Washington state, where other family members were living. Shortly after, Greg,  a construction carpenter by trade, joined the United Brotherhood of  Carpenters & Joiners of America, Local Union 756,  in Bellingham, Washington.

While living in Washington, he wed Cathy Card, to whom he remained married for a decade.

In 2013, he retired and moved back to Tampa.

Soon after, he joined the Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138 near his home in Port Tampa, where he met his “second family,” making many close friends and using his carpentry skills to make various improvements and repairs to the Legion building over the years. He also conducted the July 4th fireworks show for the Legion Post for the past several years.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, John and Phyllis; and brothers Peter Walen and John Walen. He is survived by brothers Jim Walen, Tommy Walen, David Walen, Gary Walen, Paul Walen and Gerard Walen; sisters Linda Goldie and Mary Reynolds; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Hugh G. Strickland American Legion Post 138, 5535 W. Prescott St., Tampa, Florida.