Gregory J. Zavaglia

Zavaglia, Gregory J., 86, of St. Louis, Missouri, died peacefully at home in the presence of his family on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Greg was born in Collinsville, Illinois to Italian immigrants Angelo and Theresa Zavaglia, the third of eight children, and grew to epitomize the American Dream. Greg graduated from Collinsville High School in 1956, served in the Army Reserves, and started his long career in construction. He began by “working with the tools” first as a lather and then as a carpenter for Blazier Company in East St. Louis. Eight years later, he was hired by Henges Company as a construction superintendent. When Henges was bought out by Guarantee Electric Company in 1972, Greg was named vice president and general manager of the Guarantee Interiors division. Greg left Guarantee to launch his own company, ICS Construction Services, in 1980. By 1986, ICS had paid off its seed loan, and in 1987, the company was included on the “Top 25” list of companies receiving the St. Louis Small Business Award. Greg was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 1991. Quick to describe himself as “blessed,” Greg believed that God was behind his success. Even more than he loved his work, he loved his family, several of whom worked for ICS throughout the years. He enjoyed a good meal, good friends, and a good round of golf. Many were recipients of his kindness and generosity. Greg was preceded in death by his son Scott A. Zavaglia; his parents, Angelo and Theresa (nee Zampogna) Zavaglia; his paternal grandparents, Giacomo and Vincenza (nee Furfaro) Zavaglia; his maternal grandparents, Gregorio and Domenica (nee Italiano) Zampogna; six siblings, five brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law: Vincie (nee Zavaglia) and Dick Erutti, Jack and Janice Zavaglia, Angelo Zavaglia, Marie (nee Zavaglia) and Jim Walling, Johnnie Zavaglia, Bob Zavaglia, Wayne Bostian, Roy and Marge Hoga, and Michael Hoga; mother-in-law, Florence Richardson; and father-in-law, Roy Hoga. Greg is survived by his much beloved wife of 64 years, Lorelei P. Zavaglia (nee Hoga); his daughter, Cynthia L. Zavaglia; his sons Michael G. Zavaglia (June) and Gregory S. Zavaglia (Cayce); grandsons Garrett Zavaglia (Kari), Shane Zavaglia, Jordan Zavaglia, Matteo Zavaglia, Rocco Zavaglia, Luca Zavaglia, and Cody Hopkins (Sydnie); granddaughters Sophie Zavaglia (Haden), Raphaella Zavaglia, and Kendall Holloway (Chris); great-grandsons Logan Zavaglia, Morris Smith, and Haden Smith; and great-granddaughter Ada Zavaglia. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton on Tuesday, March 4, at 3:00 p.m. Interment at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery will be private. See boppchapel.com

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Gregory J. Zavaglia

March 18, 1938 - February 13, 2025