Gerald (Jerry) Thomas Greco
KISSIMMEE - Gerald (Jerry) Thomas Greco, age 82, of Kissimmee Florida, entered eternal life on August 26, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born September 24, 1940 in Neptune New Jersey, he was the son of the late Sadie L. West Greco and Paul Rico Greco. Jerry had a positive heart, soul and mind and exuded this energy wherever he went. Jerry graduated from Lasalle Military Academy in Oakdale, New York and went on to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where he met his lifelong soulmate of 59 years. Jerry and Fran were married on June 15, 1963 in Cincinnati, Ohio on a beautiful spring day.
Jerry was the oldest in his family of 5; He was known as a joyful brother who cared deeply about his younger siblings, the late Maryann Greco, Paul Greco and Thomas Greco. Jerry is survived by his sister Patricia Greco Risch.
Jerry was an adoring husband to Fran and a loving father to his children Suzanne and Michael. He retired after 42 years from Monmouth Oil Burner & Fuel Company where he owned and operated it with his late brother Paul R. Greco. He was always active with his passion for golf, boating, woodworking, ballroom dancing with Fran and anything mechanical.
Jerry was a creative and constant thinker. He had an innovative mind that could look at a pile of discarded items and make something functional. He was a craftsman who could design and make anything out of wood and beautifully finish it. He loved his projects throughout his life and always extended his talents to anyone who needed help. Jerry was the happiest when he was sharing his knowledge, especially with his son, grandsons, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was a survivor. His vitality and strength surfaced in his later years when he was diagnosed with Lymphoma/Leukemia 22 years prior, and most recently MDS (Myelodeysplastic Syndrome) 5 years prior. Jerry fought these cancers with extreme determination and heart-felt optimism. Jerry was relentless in his will to live, to be there for his wife, daughter, son, and families. This energy and undying love for his family and extended family sustained him throughout his life on many levels.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Suzanne Greco-Hay (Ezra) and Michael Greco (Doreen); his grandchildren Aaron Michael Greco (Phoebe) and Luke Thomas Greco-Hay; his sister Patricia Greco Risch (Rob), and his many adoring relatives and friends.
Jerry’s life will be honored and celebrated. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Buckley Funeral Home 509 Second Ave., Asbury Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:15 am, Church of St. Leo The Great. 50 Hurleys Ln., Lincroft, NJ. Interment will immediately follow Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Neptune. For condolences, please visit www.buckleyfuneralhome.net