Melanie Wilhelm Dunaway is a third generation of the Wilhelm family to serve in the funeral business and created Advent based on a simple philosophy – It’s about your needs. Not ours.Gregg J. Diffendal
On June 10, 2012, longtime resident of Washington DC, Gregg J. Diffendal unexpectedly passed away at age 56. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to his loving mother Marie (nee Ginnis) and late father James J. Diffendal. Gregg leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 30 years, Kim and wonderful children Andrew and Samuel. Gregg grew up in a big loving family and is predeceased by sister Susan Diffendal. He is survived by siblings: James, Jean, Dennis, Richard, John, Marie Breidenbach, Mark, and David. Gregg is survived by 7 beautiful sister in-laws, 11 bright nieces and nephews, and many beloved family members and friends.
After graduating with a Masters degree in Statistics from Pennsylvania State University he worked for the Census Bureau for over 31 years. During his career he received the Bronze Medal Award from the United States Department of Commerce.
Gregg enjoyed music, snorkeling, traveling, sports, good wine, and was accomplished at woodworking. He was a lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party.
A life celebration will be held at a later date.
Gregg was a champion for fairness in our legal system and a protector of unspoiled nature.
Donations may be made in his memory to The ACLU or The Island Institute.
He left us with many great memories and a lasting love.
So shocked and saddened by this news. Please accept my deepest sympathy. We spent a lot of our professional time together. I enjoyed working with him and hearing his stories about how the decennial census was run before the era of PCs and lots of processing capacity.
Many prayers with deepest sympathy for you all. May family & friends bring you much comfort at this sad time.
My deepest sympathy to Kim and the Diffendal family. I’ve known Gregg for many years throughout many volleyball matches, and censuses. Gregg was always available for a pleasant and interesting conversation. He will be greatly missed.
I’m much saddened to hear of Gregg’s passing so soon after retiring to spend time with his family. He was a valued colleague with much knowledge to share. My condolences to his family and all other who knew him.
My condolences on your loss. Gregg will be missed especially in the Party Pod where he would enlighten us about the various topics of the day. He was a great colleague and a great person.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Gregg will always be remembered in DSSD as a great analyst but more importantly as a a person with a ever-present smile and engaging laugh. He brought a lot of friendship and joy to a lot of people.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Gregg was a pleasant person to work with and also to have a conversation with. Such a great loss after a short time in retirement.
I was shocked to hear of Gregg’s passing. May he rest in peace. He and his loved ones are in our prayers.
I am profoundly sorry for your untimely loss. May God grant you comfort and strength not just for these moments; but, for the journey ahead.
to Kim, Andy and Sam~ Gregg was on of those men we call a ‘true mensch’, he will live on in our spirit on the island and in our hearts. His warm smile and gentle humor will not be forgotten. may you find comfort in your friends and family for your journey ahead. He will be with you in spirit.
Dear Kim, Andy and Sam, Gregg was an amazing father, friend and husband. Never cross, angry demeaning. always calm an upbeat. I always enjoyed spending time with him. He was a treasure.
Bob
Dear Kim, Andy and Sam~Gregg was on of those men we call a ‘true mensch’, he will live on in our hearts and memories with his warm smile and gentle humor. He will be with us in spirit on the island and sadly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear about Gregg’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing him on the island and around family. Just recently we bonded over our love of cigars! I will miss our time together.
Love, Dave
Dear Kim, Andy and Sam, Gregg was an amazing father, friend, husband. Never cross, angry, demeaning. Always calm and upbeat. I always enjoyed spending time with him. He was a treasure. Love Bob
Kim,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time; my condolences to you and your family on your sudden loss. Take comfort in knowing that others care for you, and that Gregg’s spirit will always be with you in your treasured, precious memories.
May God keep you and grant you His peace and understanding for the road that lies ahead.
Lori
My deepest sympathies on Gregg’s passing. He retired from Census just a month before me and we had several chats on the various options for retirement. He was an able professional and a friend.
Phil
Kim,
I am sorry for your loss.
I am glad to have met your family at last year’s Family Day.
Take care.
Tom
To Gregg, a wonderful son-in-law, super husband, dedicated parent, and all the many accolades he has earned. Also greatly appreciated as Best Man at my recent marriage. We all miss you. You leave big holes in many lives.
Kim – I’m so sorry to hear about Gregg’s passing. I enjoyed so much our recent time together in Africa and feel blessed to have been able to spend time with the 2 of you during your 30th anniversary celebration. My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your sons.
Kim, I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. Gregg and I worked together at the Census Bureau. Gregg was one of my favorite people, fondly known as Scruff. We had many conversations about various things, he truly loved you and the boys. It’s hard to believe you two have been married for 30 years, seems like yesterday we were having baby showers… alot of great memories over many years. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Peggy
Kim, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your sons. After reading your beautiful tribute and the many comments here, I wish I had had the opportunity to have met Gregg. I know you’ll sorely miss him. God give you strength and comfort.
I am genuinely sorry to hear of Gregg’s passing. He was a nice, thoughtful, caring and compassionate individual. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
I am so shocked and sadden to hear about Gregg. During my recovery with my illness he always would asked how I was doing and making sure I took care of myself. My deepest sympathy with you and your sons and pray that you will always be watched over.
Kim, my sympathies are with you and your sons. Gregg was a fine person and always there to share thoughts and concerns. He was the best, I also knew him as “Scruff” at Census. We worked together for many years and shared laughs. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Kim: Last night Joe and I heard the news about Gregg. We are shocked and saddened. We will always remember Gregg as a gentle, generous guy. He was a great husband and father but we will remember him most for the gentle, patient way he treated Jamie. Jamie always felt welcome and safe at your house. We send our love and prayers to you, Andy and Sam. Love, Judith and Joe
I recently learned of Gregg’s death and want to express my condolences to his family. Gregg and I shared an office shortly after he came to Census and I enjoyed his thoughts and opinions on a variety of subjects. We shared a lot of laughs also, some of which I still have in my memory. He spoke lovingly of his family and I know he is missed.