Gregory Thomas Furbert

In Loving Memory of Gregory Thomas Furbert

With deep love and reverence, we honor the life of Gregory Thomas Furbert, a devoted Husband, Father, Pop-Pop, and Proud Brother, whose extraordinary journey concluded on August 20, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His life was defined by courage, intellect, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community.

Gregory’s story began on January 8, 1957, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Though born in Canada, his roots ran deep in Bermuda, the homeland of his parents, Shirley Thomas Furbert and Candace Elizabeth Furbert (Nee Williams), both proudly Bermudian. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Gregory was profoundly shaped by the city’s vibrant culture, diversity, and energy, cultivating resilience, curiosity, and a lively intellect. Summers in Bermuda nurtured a deep connection to family, heritage, and tradition. Later, he made Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his home, graduating from Germantown High School and establishing a life of purpose and devotion for the next 45 years.

In 1978, Gregory entered the United States Air Force, graduating from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He served with distinction until July 30, 1984, working as an environmental specialist and operating engineer, applying discipline, ingenuity, and precision to safeguard the health and environment of those around him.

Following his military service, Gregory dedicated over 28 years to the City of Philadelphia as a health inspector, ensuring the well-being of countless families with clarity, purpose, and unwavering commitment. His career reflected not only diligence and expertise but also his guiding principle: to teach and share right knowledge wherever possible, instilling understanding, integrity, and awareness in those around him.

Not merely defined by his professional accomplishments, Gregory was a man of extraordinary talents and diverse interests. A professor and teacher of right knowledge, he inspired many through mentorship and guidance. An accomplished musician, he expressed himself through piano, congas, drums, bass, xylophone, and numerous other instruments, whether in the delicate notes of Moonlight Sonata or the vibrant rhythm of drums. He was a passionate writer, crafting short stories and poetry that revealed the depth of his creativity. Gregory also demonstrated remarkable discipline as a 3rd-degree black belt, and his strategic mind shone as a Grand Master chess player, with a fondness for dominoes that reflected his love for games of intellect and strategy.

Gregory’s life was also enriched by love. In June of 1989, he met Michelle Washington while strolling through a shopping district in the town of Germantown in Philadelphia, PA. True to his decisive nature, he approached her, sparking a friendship that blossomed into enduring love. They married on March 19, 2005, sharing a life filled with laughter, companionship, and devotion. Together, they created a family anchored in love, joy, and cherished memories.

After his retirement on January 23rd, 2016, Gregory devoted himself fully to pursuits that brought joy and meaning: reciting poetry, tending his garden, making music, and most importantly, spending intentional, meaningful time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Michelle Washington-Furbert, and his children: Malcolm C. Furbert (Teresa), Michelle S. Washington-Furbert, Na'kyle Z. Furbert, Mu'jaffa O. Furbert, and Qua'nu J Furbert. He was a proud Pop-Pop to eleven cherished grandchildren—Pharoah, Elijah, Tashé, Gianna, Nyla, Chyna, Genesis, Ma'at, Nakai, Azariah and Malchijah. A proud brother, he is survived by Donald E. Furbert (Tonya) and Gavin B Furbert (Jamilah), along with beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Candace Furbert, and his sister, Laverne H Fennell (Nee Furbert), whose memory remains entwined with his own.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services, 41 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville, Pennsylvania, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Gregory will be laid to rest at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania, with military honors beginning at 2:30 PM.

As we honor the life of Gregory Thomas Furbert, we remember a man who lived with conviction, brilliance, and love. His presence, wisdom, creativity, achievements, and guidance leave a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

“A man of courage, insight, and devotion — whose legacy of love, knowledge, and brilliance will endure forever.”