Gregory Michael Niemiera, II

Gregory Michael Niemiera II, was born January 26, 1982, in Princeton, New Jersey. Gregor, as he was affectionately known, was a wonderful gift from God. In April of 1982, he suffered a severe vaccine injury which left him unable to see, speak, or walk. Gregor never stopped fighting and was able to prevail over these hardships to beat the odds and live well beyond the two years the doctors estimated he would survive.

 While living in Ewing, New Jersey, Gregor attended Mercer County Day Training Facility. Here he received his first Special Olympics gold medal for holding his head up for 15 seconds. This was a great accomplishment for him and he had to work very hard at it. Gregor had a prototype for a device called Intellikeys that paved the way for future assistive technology devices for nonverbal individuals”. 

The family moved to Ohio in 1992. Gregor was one of the first students in Loveland, OH to be mainstreamed into a regular school classroom and was active in the school choir. Gregor brought awareness to many regarding the disabled community.

From Ohio, the family settled in Townsend, Massachusetts in 1996. Gregor could not be accommodated at North Middlesex High school, but God found a place that could accommodate him. He then began a new phase of his life as a resident of Crochet Mountain School, Greenville New Hampshire. He met the love of his life while there, Christina M. Stathis. They enjoyed being parked as close together as their wheelchairs would allow. Though neither one could speak, everyone who saw them together knew how much they cared for each other and communicated that love to all who observed.

In 2004, Gregor moved from New Hampshire to Fitchburg/Leominster, Massachusetts. He attended Seven Hills Aspire Day program where he had many friends. Gregor had an easy laugh and an onery smile. One of his favorite treats was a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup and a Dairy Queen Reese’s sundae. His love for music was contagious. At a Dana Talley concert in Trenton NJ, he was encouraged by Mr. Talley to continue to join in with him despite those in the audience who preferred only Mr. Talley. Encouraged by Mr. Talley, Gregor’s singing was then enjoyed by all. 

Gregor left an indelible mark on this world. He opened many doors for those who would receive it. He brightened up any room with his sense of humor and smile. Through their life growing up alongside Gregor, they learned to look beyond a person’s disabilities and to know them as a person. All three of his siblings have gone on to have careers in helping professions- teaching and firefighting/paramedics. 

He loved the LORD and enjoyed sounding his Amen’s. We look forward to the day when we will see him again and rejoice with him in our eternal home in heaven.

He is survived by his parents, Greg and Joy, his sister Kristen and her husband Shawn Jokinen, brother Leon and fiancé Mary Beth, brother Ben and fiancé Lesley. He was predeceased by a younger sister, Heather. He had many nieces and nephews; Heather and Blake Oates, Andrew, Liberty and Zachary Jokinen; Amelia, Leon and Grant Niemiera; Quinn and Jack Major. He even had a great nephew, Waylon Oates. He was loved by all who knew him and had the pleasure of caring for him. 

 The family will be holding an open house for friends to call and visit with them on Monday July 15th from 2pm -8pm at their home. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Wassamassaw Baptist Church, 704 State Rd S-8-291, Moncks Corner SC. A reception will follow the service at the church. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel.

If you wish to donate in memory of Gregory, contributions can be set to Joni and friends.www.Joni&Friends.org or 818-707-5664.