GREG W. SILL

During his approximately 420,000 hours on this earth, Greg Sill made sure to leave his mark on the world. As a kind-hearted, genuine, loving, and charismatic gentleman, he showcased a beautiful way to walk through life. He had a unique spark about him that people not only noticed but were inspired by.

Greg took on every role he earned with pride, care and commitment. He taught those around him that you get out of life what you put in, and he was always sure to give 110%. One place he always exhibited this sentiment was in the classroom.

Greg Sill taught Social Studies at Smithtown High School West on Long Island and always went the extra mile to show his students that history isn’t just facts, but an epic story of who we are. Everywhere he and his family traveled, he ensured to have his students in mind. He would capture the history and culture of his trips through photos, videos, and artifacts to line his classroom’s shelves and walls, for all to enjoy. His classroom is a testament to his passion and dedication to bring history to life. With a hands-on approach, he encouraged students to interact with artifacts from around the globe and bring history to life with scavenger hunts and outdoor activities around the school.

Beyond history lessons, Greg aimed to bring humanity to the 42 minutes he had each day with his students. He dedicated time to teach positivity and mindfulness by incorporating lessons from “Be the Coffee Bean,” “Charity: Water,” and “The Man in the Red Bandana.” Greg sought to shape his students into good-hearted people, not just good young historians. He wanted his classroom to be a vibrant, exciting space where students were welcomed with a song of the day, most times pertaining to the lesson planned. He was a teacher that even if you didn’t have him, you knew him from Pep Rally, Lip Sync Karaoke, Acoustic Cafe, or just smiling down the halls. Those lucky enough to be in his class were also celebrated monthly with Student of the Month awards and prizes, something not many high school teachers still practice. He had a special place in his heart for his English Language Learners and went out of his way to make sure they were involved and obtained as much knowledge as possible. His patience, perseverance, and smiling face will be remembered within the halls of Smithtown West for years to come.

In 2019, Greg was awarded by the Long Island Council for the Social Studies as Outstanding High School Social Studies Teacher. Watch his moving acceptance speech below!

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As a friend and colleague, Greg could be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. He encouraged others to be the best they could be and strive to reach their dreams. He always wanted to make everyone feel included and important. This seemed to come naturally to him as he had an energy people were simply attracted to. Just by providing a kind smile, genuine conversation, or providing support, he touched so many people and is remembered for his positive and happy attitude. He treated his friends as family, never missing a birthday, celebration, congrats, or milestone. Greg was a man who was happiest seeing those he loved happy too, and in that he wanted the best for every person in his life. He was truly a special human.

*Greg with his wife, Elizabeth, and three daughters, Emily, Natalie, and Isabella*

As a family man, words cannot describe the love he shared. As a son, brother, uncle, and nephew, he had immense love and aimed to make every moment together feel like a celebration of life. He never left anything unsaid and always practiced gratitude. It was easy to see the joy he felt when the family was together and he had an incredible relationship with every one of his family members. Greg made sure each bond he shared was unique and felt important to each individual. He dedicated time, effort, and love for each person, so you felt you shared something special with Greg.

As a husband and father to three girls, he was a family man like no other. He loved the girls immensely and would yell it from the rooftops if he could, in fact, he did! He taught the girls from a young age that the world was theirs, and they had all of his support to go out and take it. They learned so much from simply watching their Dad exist. His kindness and excitement for life were passed down to them along with the confidence to give 110% in all they do. It takes a special man to be a Girl Dad, and Greg proved every day that he was born for it. His impact on the girls is evident as he has raised happy, empathetic, life-loving young women.

As a partner for 30 years, he made Elizabeth feel like the most special girl on earth. He wouldn’t let a day pass without sharing and expressing his love for her. They were the type of couple you know were soulmates, and were madly in love. He made 30 years feel like a never-ending honeymoon period with thoughtful gifts, handwritten letters, music videos to songs like “You Make My Dreams Come True”, vacations, flowers, surprise visits at work, and anything else you’ve probably seen in movies. Anyone who witnessed the love they shared now knows how special it was and the girls will forever have a high standard of how a man should not only treat them but love them wholeheartedly.

Today, we are left with his everlasting legacy and example of a life well-lived. Through the Greg W. Sill Foundation, his name will live on through scholarships and academic excursions for students who exemplify the Greg Sill lifestyle. Greg and Elizabeth spoke often of the next chapter of their lives and philanthropy was an integral part. Despite the grief we feel with his sudden passing, we take comfort in knowing we can continue Greg’s legacy of creating a positive impact through the Greg W. Sill Foundation.

Greg Sill was here for a short time, but if you were lucky enough to know him then you know the light that has been taken from this world. Our goal is to make sure that his name continues to be spoken, and that it brings as much joy as the person he was.

*Greg with his wife, Elizabeth, and three daughters, Emily, Natalie, and Isabella on the Great Wall of China*