Gregory A. Straut died peacefully on November 1, 2026 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis and lung disease. He passed at home, with his wife by his side, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Denise Straut; his son, Nathan and daughter-in-law, Lindsay Straut; daughter, Holly Straut; four grandchildren, Lillian, Soleil, Nyla, and Noah; three sisters, Patricia (Bob), Debra, and Ann Marie (Peter); his father-in-law, Len Kent; brothers-in-law, Len and Bradley Kent, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Sr. and Eva Straut, his older brother Walter Jr., and his twin brother, Gary.

Gregory was born on March 19, 1954, in Suffern, New York, the fifth of six children. When he was 10, the Straut family moved to Franklin, NY. Greg met his future wife, Denise, at Franklin High School, from which he graduated in 1974.

Greg was a taxidermist, an art he taught himself through mail-in catalogues and received several awards for his work. Greg was a lifelong sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing and had great respect for the outdoors. He enjoyed many years of bass fishing in Maine with his good friend David. He had just purchased his deer hunting license for the 2026 season. Greg was a talented woodcarver, specializing in birds. He also loved gardening and took great care of his Bonsai tree collection.

Greg also loved and excelled in the arts. He was a talented tenor and sang in many local groups, including Catskill Choral Society, Otego United Methodist and Presbyterian Church Choirs, Midstatesmen Chorus, and Harmony Junction Barbershop Quartet. For several years, he acted in community theater in Otego. Greg took up violin lessons in middle age.

Among his other hobbies and activities, Greg was a member of the Oneonta Free & Accepted Masons and the Otego Presbyterian Church, lay speaker at area churches, and served for many years as an Otsego County election inspector.

Calling hours will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, at the Lewis Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, at the Otego Presbyterian Church, 16 River St., Otego.  All who loved Greg and shared in his friendship are invited to attend.

Donations in Greg’s memory may be made to the Catskill Choral Society, PO Box 135, Oneonta, NY 13820 and the Otego Presbyterian Church, 16 River St., Otego, NY 13825.