Gregg Joseph Colle, MD had been Orangeburg's dermatologist since 1995. He had to retire and quickly close his practice in June of last year as he fought courageously with the last stages of a 6-year battle with cancer. He died on February 18th, 2026, just 3 days before his 71st birthday.

Gregg was born in Kansas City, MO in 1955 and lived with his family in Kansas, Colorado and South Dakota. However, after moving to the Orangeburg area in 1995, he referred to himself as a proud South Carolinian.

Gregg's education was diverse. He attended Regis University after spending several years juggling high school and working in construction. He had an aptitude for the sciences and pre-med, but he truly enjoyed history and the theater. He was a lighting designer as he earned several degrees in those college years.

He then joined the United States Navy and soon attended the Medical School of Creighton University in Omaha, NE.

As a Naval Flight Surgeon, he cared for the sailors aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and became both a tropical and arctic medicine specialist.

Soon, with his talent and determination, Gregg earned the opportunity to become an aviator. He flew many types of jets and also became a helicopter instructor. This allowed him to become one of the few Aeromedical Dual Designators.

The Navy then provided the opportunity to return to Creighton to continue his education by specializing in dermatology.

His tenure in the Navy ended after 14 years with a board certification as a dermatologist. Within the year, he moved to the Orangeburg area to be part of the initial building of The Village office park and Hillcrest Dermatology Center was opened on August 1, 1995.

Gregg is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Lisa. He was also proud of his six siblings and their families. His extended clan was so important to him and was happy to be a part of his three, truly supportive extended families, the Lauer's the Colle's and the Hoerz's.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00-8:00 P.M.

He will be remembered with respect for his kind nature, strong work ethic, incredible knowledge base and generosity.

Dr. Colle will never be forgotten.