02/27/2025
Greg was incredibly welcoming when I first opened my office in Chaumont.
The first time it snowed, I arrived early to shovel, only to find it had already been taken care of. It took me a while to figure out who was behind this thoughtful gesture, and once I did, I realized what a gift it truly was. He did so for the next three years, plowing so much of Chaumont without hesitation, always helping those out ice fishing and keeping the community moving through the harsh winter months. His weather reports were something I looked forward to; they were always spot on.
He was a constant presence—always there with a wave or a hello, busy with one thing or another. Every interaction I had with him was genuine and kind.
I even caught him blowing off my sidewalk when it needed it—he never hesitated to take care of the whole area. His philosophy was simple: he had always done it for his hardware store patrons before I bought the building, so why not keep it good for everyone? If you walked into my building during the winter months, it was likely him to thank.
Greg will be deeply missed by me and by the entire community. My thoughts are with Melissa, his mom, Jane, and the family they shared together.
DEXTER, NY -- Gregory M. Netto, 47, passed away on February 22, 2025, at his home on Pillar Point. He resided there with the love of his life, Melissa O’Neil, his wife/partner of almost 26 years, with whom he found peace and solace – and always “had to get home to”.
Born in 1977 in Watertown, New York, he graduated in 1995 from Sackets Harbor Central School and was voted most likely to succeed. He later attended JCC for engineering.
Greg was brilliant, he could fix anything – motors, pumps, electrical, plumbing etc. and knew so much about the things that really mattered in life. He didn’t care about material things like expensive cars or flashy clothes, or even having lots of money, it was the simple things that mattered the most to him. He was a man of substance. He spent hours with his best friend, Grandpa Jack, out hunting, trapping, fishing, telling stories, and laughing – because that was what made our man happy.
Growing up, he worked with his mom Jayne Fitzgerald-Vachon and stepdad Marty Vachon at their restaurant in Sackets Harbor, the 1812 Steak and Seafood, and eventually ventured out onto his own and started his own business, Upstate Home Inspection Services. He was keen and smart, and above all, he was honest. He got many referrals from top real estate agents during his venture. From 2006 until he sold his business and retired in December 2024, he was half owner of Chaumont Hardware. He ran the day-to-day operations of the store and became the face behind the famous Chaumont Hardware page. He shared his vast knowledge and love for the outdoors on there. Thousands followed the page for his ice fishing and weather reports, along with the amazing photos that he took.
Greg is survived by his wife/partner Melissa, his three step-daughters, Samantha O’Neil (Ian Maxwell), Emily O’Neil, Jenna O’Neil (Brandon O’Donnell), and his granddaughter Erin L.E. - the one who could always brighten her papa’s day; his mother, Jayne Fitzgerald-Vachon (Marty, deceased), his father, Tony (Denise) Netto, brothers Anthony (Theresa) Netto, Mike (Elizabeth) Netto, and Adam Vachon; a step-brother, Marcus (Erica) Vachon; sisters Amanda (Alan) McCormick and Mikayla Netto; a sister-in-law Jill St. Croix; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Greg was predeceased by his grandpa Jack in 2021 who was his mentor and trapping partner and most recently this past November, his father-in-law Ed Bolton, who taught him to just say “yes, dear”.
In just 47 years, Gregory M. Netto touched the lives of so many people. He will remain in their hearts forever and memories of his presence will remain a fixture in their lives. He was an inspiration of a person who knew what life was about – earthly things, gardens, being on or near the water, in the woods, and being with the people he loved so much. We all thank Greg for giving us his time with us, we are just sorry he didn’t stay a little longer.
He grew tired, wrestled with depression and physical ailments that caused him pain and anxiety. It was sometimes difficult for us to understand. But it’s all gone now, and he’s our new smiling spirit – and hopefully, will guide us along the rest of our journey, until we can hold and hug him again.
To say that Greg will be missed seems to trivialize the grief that we have. Greg was a quiet man, yet the silence of his absence feels like the loudest sound in our world. However, the beautiful thing about grief is that it comes from love. And that’s how we will remember our Greg. With love, always and forever.
Per Greg’s request, he will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, Greg’s family and friends are establishing a youth fishing tournament in his name and request donations to Emily O’Neil (emily.n.oneil@gmail.com / venmo: EmilyNOneil).
If anyone reading this obituary is struggling with anxiety or depression and thoughts of su***de, please call the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text 988, or go to their website, 988lifeline.org.
