Gregory J. Nowak, an attorney and widely respected authority on hedge funds and other investment funds, died April 11, 2021, following an accident at home. He was 61. 

Greg was a devoted husband to Denise (nee Maggetti), and father to Elise, Gregory, Matthew, and Madeleine. Whether it was group trips to Disney, family trips to Sea Isle City, time at the pool, or dinners at home, Greg was always looking to spend more time with his wife and children. A great debater and brilliant mind, he encouraged free thought in his children, while also making it his mission to foster a loving and moral worldview in them. Greg’s favorite activities were weekend getaways with the family, along with attending Eagles games and going to romantic evening dinners with his wife. Constantly supporting his children, he went to father-daughter dances, art displays, soccer games, dance competitions, and everything in between.

At home, Greg was a handyman and always looking for new home improvement projects. Through his projects, he embedded his craftsmanship and hardworking nature in the fabric of his home. Greg believed that the home should be beautiful, and went above and beyond to make it so. Moreover, he loved sharing his home and opening it for all to see.

Greg received his education at multiple institutions: Holy Ghost Preparatory High School, LaSalle University, Cornell Law School, and New York University Law School. He began to hone his skills for public speaking and debate at Holy Ghost, where he was a cornerstone of the beloved Forensics Team; Greg was a National Champion in Extemporaneous Speaking in 1976. His impressive academic career prepared him for an accomplished professional career as an attorney and renowned legal mind.

Greg joined the Pepper Hamilton law firm (now Troutman Pepper) in 2002, adding a significant boost to the firm’s investment management and corporate practices. Greg primarily focused his practice on complex securities law issues, with a particular focus on regulatory compliance and operational issues involving hedge funds, other alternative investment funds, registered investment companies and registered investment advisers. 

With tireless energy, boundless enthusiasm and a down-to-earth and engaging personality, Greg quickly became a “go-to” resource for investment fund clients and his law firm colleagues. He created and for more than 15 years led a monthly roundtable on investment fund topics that attracted a wide range of participants in the investment funds sector, so much so that registration requests typically exceeded the available space. He spoke at numerous industry conferences nationwide, and was a prolific author, including writing five books on hedge funds, and countless articles. Always focused on new and emerging trends and technologies, Greg in recent years also spent significant time advising clients on fintech topics, including crowdfunding, online lending platforms, and cryptocurrencies.

Before joining the firm, Greg was Executive Vice President at Gartmore Global Investments, Inc., an asset management subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Greg was responsible for all aspects of Gartmore’s acquisitions, and helped build its hedge fund business, including developing a compliance module that allowed Gartmore to manage alternative assets such as hedge funds along with traditional investment products. Earlier, he was a partner at the Stradley Ronon law firm in Philadelphia.

Greg also had significant experience in health care transactional matters. For example, he was a leader of the team that reorganized the Holy Redeemer Health System (now Redeemer Health) in suburban Philadelphia, and advised on numerous other health care merger and acquisition transactions in his career.

Greg was active in many professional and community organizations. Among others, he was a board member of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Economy League, Inc. for many years; was an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater Cornell Law School; and served on the President’s Advisory Board at LaSalle University, where Greg earned his undergraduate degree. He was very active in his church, SaintPhilip Neri in Lafayette Hill, PA, including serving on its finance committee, and he was a board member of the Colonial Soccer Club, Inc., as well as numerous other community and charitable organizations.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his mother Mary (nee Onuschak) Nowak, sister Victoria Cacchio (Louis), sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

There was a Visitation held on Thursday, April 15th and Friday, April 16th at Saint Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill.

Greg was honored in a Funeral Mass on Friday, April 16th at Saint Philip’s. He was then put to rest at Calvary Cemetery at a private ceremony. The video of his Funeral Mass can be viewed here.

Greg was a loving husband and father to his wife and children. He was a talented and accomplished attorney, a trusted advisor to his clients and colleagues alike, and a dear friend to everyone at his law firm, Troutman Pepper. He was a mentor and teacher to numerous students, nieces and nephews, and friends. His love and compassion are eternal, living on through his wife, children, and countless friends and family members. He will be deeply missed.

For memorial donations, please donate to LaSalle University or Holy Ghost Preparatory High School.

Memories and condolences for the family can be left here.