Obituary for Gregory Menefee
A Remembrance of Gregory Jennings Menefee
Born on June 10, 1970 at GBMC to the late Barbara Ruth Donegan and the late Lawrence Ashton Menefee Jr, Architect, Gregory Jennings Menefee, namesake of his departed Irish grandmother, Bridget Jennings Donegan, passed away on May 25th. He spent his early childhood on what was called Architect’s Row, a series of Bauhausian row houses on Chinquapin Parkway in Baltimore. The minimalist-in-nature houses designed by his architect grandfather, the late Lawrence Ashton Menefee Sr., stood in stark contrast to the vibrant life that filled and surrounded them. There were teachers, professors, actors, multinationals and, of course, architects who all seemed to spawn pairs of kids two years apart and in the same age groups. There was a stream, big wheels, pinata parties, trick or treating, and lunches at picnic tables. It was an idyllic time when a somewhat scrawny, very energetic, and fair-haired Greg ran, rode, and played. His mother, born just outside of Dublin, Ireland, loved all holidays and threw vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parties with live Irish music and magical birthday parties with handmade pinatas. Greg attended St Pius X School where he developed a love for art and music, despite the limited resources of a small Catholic School, and developed lifelong friendships.
A move to Roland Park in 1976 was a change of pace where Greg formed a life-long friendship with Patrick and Adam Preller. It was the time of BMX bikes, Star Wars, gas shortages, and the Bicentennial when fire hydrants were painted like R2D2. As many good Baltimore boys do, Greg “did the tour” and spent time at Loyola High School and Northern High School. He developed a knack for the construction business working for Carroll Independent Fuel, Maryland Bay Contracting, and for himself throughout his life. In high school, he was introduced to Cindy Baker by mutual friend Patrick and they were married in 1991. Before long his son and daughter, Dylan and Sarah, were born. The family lived in Charles Village and Hillendale. The loss of his parents in 2005, particularly his devoted mother, was tough but he enjoyed spending time with his children.
Greg is survived by his loving children, Dylan Ashton Menefee, Sarah Elizabeth Menefee, of Baltimore; former wife, Cindy Baker (Brian), of York, PA; brother, Lawrence Ashton Menefee III (Angel), of Towson, half-sister, Lynne Helen Menefee, of Baltimore; half-brother, Daniel Colston Menefee (Ruth), of Chestertown, MD; and life-long friend, Patrick Preller (Amanda), of Baltimore. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Chip House, 3501 Hiss Ave., Baltimore, MD 21234.
Born on June 10, 1970 at GBMC to the late Barbara Ruth Donegan and the late Lawrence Ashton Menefee Jr, Architect, Gregory Jennings Menefee, namesake of his departed Irish grandmother, Bridget Jennings Donegan, passed away on May 25th. He spent his early childhood on what was called Architect’s Row, a series of Bauhausian row houses on Chinquapin Parkway in Baltimore. The minimalist-in-nature houses designed by his architect grandfather, the late Lawrence Ashton Menefee Sr., stood in stark contrast to the vibrant life that filled and surrounded them. There were teachers, professors, actors, multinationals and, of course, architects who all seemed to spawn pairs of kids two years apart and in the same age groups. There was a stream, big wheels, pinata parties, trick or treating, and lunches at picnic tables. It was an idyllic time when a somewhat scrawny, very energetic, and fair-haired Greg ran, rode, and played. His mother, born just outside of Dublin, Ireland, loved all holidays and threw vibrant St. Patrick’s Day parties with live Irish music and magical birthday parties with handmade pinatas. Greg attended St Pius X School where he developed a love for art and music, despite the limited resources of a small Catholic School, and developed lifelong friendships.
A move to Roland Park in 1976 was a change of pace where Greg formed a life-long friendship with Patrick and Adam Preller. It was the time of BMX bikes, Star Wars, gas shortages, and the Bicentennial when fire hydrants were painted like R2D2. As many good Baltimore boys do, Greg “did the tour” and spent time at Loyola High School and Northern High School. He developed a knack for the construction business working for Carroll Independent Fuel, Maryland Bay Contracting, and for himself throughout his life. In high school, he was introduced to Cindy Baker by mutual friend Patrick and they were married in 1991. Before long his son and daughter, Dylan and Sarah, were born. The family lived in Charles Village and Hillendale. The loss of his parents in 2005, particularly his devoted mother, was tough but he enjoyed spending time with his children.
Greg is survived by his loving children, Dylan Ashton Menefee, Sarah Elizabeth Menefee, of Baltimore; former wife, Cindy Baker (Brian), of York, PA; brother, Lawrence Ashton Menefee III (Angel), of Towson, half-sister, Lynne Helen Menefee, of Baltimore; half-brother, Daniel Colston Menefee (Ruth), of Chestertown, MD; and life-long friend, Patrick Preller (Amanda), of Baltimore. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Chip House, 3501 Hiss Ave., Baltimore, MD 21234.