Gregory Dion Piper, 60
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Gregory Dion Piper, 60, of New York City, formerly of Williamstown, died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at his home.
Born in Williamstown on Aug. 5, 1955, son of Anson and Miriam Simms Piper, he graduated from Mount Greylock High School in 1973. He attended Rice University in Houston and Berklee College of Music in Boston. He moved to New York in the early 1980s.
At age 47, Mr. Piper decided to become a teacher and entered Hunter College, where he was inducted to Phi Beta Kappa and, in 2005, at age 50, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in German and Education.
He taught German at the High School of Science and Engineering in Manhattan and was loved by students and faculty alike for his creative approaches to teaching and his unique and witty insights. He had earlier been a bartender for more than 20 years at a popular bar in the lower East side.
Sadly, after only five years, health issues became too much for Mr. Piper to be able to manage the demands of teaching, and he had to leave the work he found so meaningful.
He was a talented musician, a flutist, pianist, singer and composer, whose main passion was 1950s and '60s rock and roll. In these last few years of declining health, he continued to enjoy music, friends, and family whenever possible. He loved visiting his siblings in Maine. Everyone who knew him remembers his bright mind and contagious laughter.
He was predeceased by his partner, Gerald Franchina.
He leaves brother, Jonathan Piper and his wife, Mary, of Falmouth, Maine, and his nephews, Jack, Ben, Chris, and Teddy; and his sister, Victoria Piper Kendrick and her husband, Paul, of Freeport, Maine.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A graveside ceremony for Mr. Piper is planned for Friday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m., at the Williams College Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to: Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, 455 First Ave., NY, NY 10016 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.