Pasquale John Greco

Pasquale “Pat” John Greco, of Springfield, Virginia, died on May 25, 2023. He is survived by his wife Patricia Louise (O’Neil) Greco; daughters Tara Marie Greco, and Kristine Marie Greco Johnson (John); grandchildren Louise Maribee and John Pasquale Johnson; and brothers Joseph R. Greco, Jr. (Barbara), and Dennis Greco (Kathee).

Pat was a man of devotion--to his wife, his family, his faith, his friends, his community, and his country. He shared his time, talents, and treasure generously.

Pat and Patty, his wife of 55 years, built a life centered on their devotion to one another. Family was central for him. Their home was full of love, where everyone felt welcome, with chocolate fluff fondue, homemade ravioli, and the smell of Pat’s pipe. They were involved in their church, the girls’ schools, and the neighborhood. Pat was always eager to lend a hand, especially when projects hit a snag. With sharpened pencil and legal pad at the ready, he would gently offer, “Can I make a suggestion?”

The arrivals of his grandchildren, Louise and John, were deeply joyful moments. “Pap-pap” adored them both and was ready to fulfill their every wish, whether that be ice cream for breakfast or the 25th consecutive reading of a favorite book.

Pat was born in 1946. The eldest child of two first-generation Italian Americans, Joseph Richard Greco and Mary Dominica (Calderelli) Greco, Pat and his two brothers, Joe and Dennis, grew up in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. His grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who lived on the same block affectionately called him “Patsy” when he was young.

Pat’s grandfather, Pasquale “PJ” Greco, started a scrap metal business in 1911 and grew the business to offer industrial gas and welding supplies. Pat's father and uncles later ran the business, and Pat learned to drive a double-clutch truck and set type on the family printing press.

Pat attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Tarentum, and later St. Joseph ("St Joe’s") Catholic High School in Natrona. That’s where Pat met fellow classmate Patty O’Neil, and his lifetime of devotion to her began. They were once reprimanded for holding hands on a St. Joe’s school trip to the World’s Fair in New York City.

Pat and Patty often recounted the challenges of dating in a small town. Pat would take Patty to his aunt Molly’s Cheswick Movie Theaters in his Triumph convertible. Aunt Molly would dutifully call their mothers to let them know when they arrived and when they departed, ensuring there were no unnecessary detours during the evening.

Pat attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA where he found lifelong friends. He earned a bachelor of science in biology and enjoyed using his artistic talents to build the sets for the theater program.

Pat and Patty got married in 1968, a few weeks after their graduations. His career with Mobil Oil began in Pittsburgh. Later he was transferred to Valley Forge, then the company headquarters in New York. He commuted by train to New York City from Philadelphia for several years until the family moved to Springfield in 1980, when Mobil Oil moved its headquarters to Northern Virginia. Pat held a number of positions as an analyst in the financial and real estate departments. He was a wordsmith and was often called on to write speeches for the executive team.

Pat was a devoted father. While his daughters, Tara and Kristie, were growing up, Pat and Patty attended all of their soccer games, musical performances, band concerts, cheerleading competitions, and graduations. They did the same for their many nieces and nephews, so proud to celebrate their accomplishments and cheer them on. They provided a home away from home—delicious meals and a place to do laundry--to the nieces and nephews who attended Georgetown University.

After more than 30 years working for Exxon Mobil Corporation, Pat retired at the age of 56. Soon he was doing volunteer work for the Lupus Foundation of America and in 2009 was named Lupus Volunteer of the Year. He and Patty also volunteered at Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington, where he crafted bespoke containers for the artifacts they excavated. He also regularly volunteered in the kindergarten class and library at Patty’s school, serving as a reading buddy for students and working on special projects.

During their retirement, Pat and Patty enjoyed traveling to Italy, Ireland, and throughout Europe. He stayed closely connected to his high school and college classmates, visiting St. Vincent’s in the summer for the Steelers football training camp, reviewing applications for the Class of 1968 scholarship, and attending every college reunion.

As a boy scout who took to heart the motto "Always Be Prepared," Pat was a meticulous planner. He saved his money and made prudent investments. He took extra time and care to be sure things were done right the first time. He was always ready with the right tool, idea, or system to solve any problem.

Pat had an innate curiosity and passion for learning. He loved to read autobiographies, classic literature, and books about history. His enthusiasm for his college biology major continued throughout life. He often referenced his copy of Gray’s Anatomy that he kept on a shelf. When Pat's son-in-law John brought his beehives to Northern Virginia, Pat was thrilled to host them in his garden. He enjoyed helping John tend to the bees and harvest the honey. He also loved having another guy around.

Pat was very artistic. When he was young, he was selected to participate in the gifted education program at the Carnegie Museum of Art--the same program fellow Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol had attended 15 years earlier. He enjoyed creating: paintings that hung in the home, furniture for the family room, a dollhouse for his girls, flies for his fishing excursions, and many wood carvings which he gifted to friends and family. He was often drafted to help Patty with projects at her school.

After retiring, Pat dove into the culinary arts as well, cooking delightful dinners. He and Patty especially loved to host friends and family for dinners where guests would help prepare homemade pasta, garnished with Pat’s tomato sauce and meatballs. Pat and Patty often served homemade biscotti and pizzelles for dessert. Dinner conversation would often turn to current events, and Pat loved a political debate. He believed in being an informed and engaged citizen and voting in every election.

Pat met every day with intensity and passion. He greeted everyone with respect and generosity. He shared widely his joys and talents. He will be deeply missed.

The family thanks Mavis Agyemang and her team for the great care and compassion they showed Pat over the last two years.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org), ECHO (www.echo-inc.org), or Saint Vincent Class of 1968 Scholarship Fund (email: [email protected]).

A Mass of Christian Burial for Pasquale will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 12:00 PM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152.