Lofton Sr., Gregory

Gregory Lofton Sr

Feb. 2, 1947 – Aug. 28, 2025

Gregory C. Lofton Sr., a longtime SEPTA supervisor, Marine Corps veteran and hospital leader, died Aug. 28. He was 78.

Lofton dedicated his life to service — first as a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, then through 25 years with SEPTA, and later as a hospital supervisor.

“Gregory survived close calls that he credited only to God’s hand of protection, affirming, ‘There’s no way I should be here today if it wasn’t for the Lord’s hand over me,’” his family said.

Born Feb. 2, 1947, Lofton graduated from Simon Gratz High School. Inspired by his family’s military service, he volunteered for the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served as a machine gunner with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.

In his “Untold War Story” interview, he reflected on the harrowing realities of combat at Con Thien, an old Army Special Forces base, the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, and Khe Sanh. He often spoke of comrades lost, including his best friend “Bohan” and his brother-in-arms “Porky,” and of the deep brotherhood that bound Marines together across race and background.

According to his family, he often said he would never carry a weapon again, deeply aware of the devastation it could cause, and instead devoted his energy to being a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

He then went on to spend 25 years with SEPTA, rising from driver to supervisor and caring for both colleagues and passengers. He also worked at St. Agnes and St. Mary’s Hospitals, continuing his lifelong commitment to service.

“Beyond his service, he was a devoted fan of Philadelphia sports, enjoyed air shows and spent time in his ‘man cave’ filled with stories and popcorn.”

“Gregory’s life was a journey of courage, resilience, faith and deep devotion to family and his country,” his family said in a tribute. “Despite the horror of war, Gregory carried forward the belief that true worth was found in a person’s heart, not their skin color. He often said, ‘Prejudices are secondary — what matters is what’s inside.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pearl Lofton; son, Gregory C. Lofton Jr.; and his brother, Barry Lofton.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Omarr; daughter-in-law, Tiffany; granddaughter, Eden; and siblings Joanne Purnell (Lofton), Donna Lofton and David Lofton, along with other family members and friends.