Universal Store co-founder farewelled after tragedy
Greg Josephson, 58, was found dead at his Oriel Road home on June 26, after what police allege was a violent stabbing during a teen gathering. A 15-year-old boy known to Mr Josephson has been charged with murder after allegedly calling triple-0 following the attack.
Mr Josephson, the co-founder of fashion chain Universal Store, was remembered as a dedicated father, husband and entrepreneur in a moving service at St Agatha's Catholic Church in Clayfield on Monday, a short distance from the family home.
His wife Tamra and their children were among those gathered to honour his life, The Courier Mail reported.
Presiding over the service was Father Anthony Mellor, parish priest at St Agatha's during the years the Josephson children attended the school. A moving service was held near the home where Greg Josephson lived. Credit: 7NEWS / supplied
The casket, adorned with flowers and a photo, was gently draped in a white pall by Mr Josephson's parents, Mary and Greg.
'On the day of Baptism, Gregory was clothed in Christ. By his word and example, he has lived with Christian dignity,' Father Mellor told the congregation.
A candle lit by Mrs Josephson symbolised the presence of Christ in her husband's life.
'May he now enjoy eternal life, life and peace,' the congregation responded.
His children then placed symbolic items by the coffin before tributes flowed from family and loved ones.
Mrs Josephson spoke with deep affection and sorrow, remembering her husband as 'the most gentle, soft, kind-hearted, generous, calm, positive, happy, intelligent man' she had ever met.
'Some couples grow apart as time goes by. We weren't like that. I loved him more each year we were together, and I know he felt the same way,' she said.
'He was still my Gregory, handsome.' The millionaire co-founder of the Universal Store clothing chain has died after allegedly being stabbed by a teenage boy in Brisbane during a house party. Credit: Unknown / Instagram
She described him as 'the captain of our team, our motivator, our fun co-ordinator,' and reflected on quiet moments shared after Mr Josephson sold his business.
'After the Universal store was sold, Greg did slow down for a little while, it was a really lovely, relaxing time. I loved having him around more — we'd go for walks, go to the gym together, have sushi down the road,' she said.
'I don't even want to (go on without him). I will, because he would want me to.'
Mr Josephson's sister-in-law, Melissa, also spoke on behalf of his mother, Mary, followed by readings, psalms and prayers.
His daughter shared memories of birthdays, holidays and ordinary days filled with love.
'We have so many amazing memories of special times spent with him: birthdays, holidays, Christmases, and just being together. Dad taught us that family is very important,' she said.
His son said simply, 'He was loved so much by us all', and 'he's now in heaven.'
As the service came to a close, the casket was carried out by six pallbearers — Mr Josephson's four brothers, Michael, Andrew, Martin and John, along with family friends Jonathan Breene and Derek Nicholson.
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