Gregory Allen Shade, Jr. (aka AJ, aka Pop) of Allentown, PA, 31 passed away on Saturday, July 9th 2021. He was born on May 17th, 1990 in Valhalla, NY to Christine V. Sanford and Gregory Allen Shade, Sr.
In 2008, he graduated from Westchester Leadership Charter School as class valedictorian. After graduation, he gave back to his community working at Salvation Army of Allentown-Hospitality House. He then worked at Stitch-Fit in 2016. Having a strong love for others, he returned to healthcare where he utilized his gift of compassion by working with those in need. His work at Coordinated Health did not go unnoticed. Starting in the food service department, he was promoted to a Team Lead position. Eventually he achieved a position in an administrative capacity. Staff and patients welcomed his effervescent personality. Another one of his accomplishments was being a Program Coordinator for "Change Now" where he participated in food drives, feeding the homeless, and back-to-school rallies. Gregory also served on the LGBT Board of Allentown.
Even though he was known as a gentle giant with a quiet spirit, he used his voice to reach many people through his podcast-Me.I.AmGr3gory. Never afraid to use his voice, he let others know that while we are all different in many ways, we are all God's children. An amazing example of a humanitarian and servant, he touched every life he encountered.
He is survived by his parents Christine V. Sanford & Gregory Shade, Sr.; sisters, Sherrina, Vivian and Alicia Couch; brother, Sebastian; nephew, Naisheme Riddick, Jr; nieces, Blake and Skyler Lopez; grandmothers, Lottie Sanford and Carol Shade; grandfather, Lawrence Boyd; aunts and uncles, Shountrel Sanford, Anthony Briggs, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Shade Jr., Mr. & Mrs. James Shade, Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Russel Shade, Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Leon Shade godparents), William Shade, Sr., Deran Shade, god-parents Denise Fisher and Patricia Lockhart and a host of many family and friends. Finally, his pride and joy, puppy Allen, who will miss him just as much as we all will.
He was predeceased by his grandfather Daniel L. Shade, Sr., uncles Edward Boyd and Derrick Shade.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gregory A. Shade, Jr., please visit our floral store.