Herbert Walter Greeley

The Greeley family is heartbroken to announce the loss of Herbert Walter Greeley, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Herb Greeley, as he was affectionately known throughout his life, passed peacefully at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne on January 20, 2021 at the age of 96.

Born in Westerly, Rhode Island on November 9, 1924, the third son of Italian immigrants Rosana and James Greeley (Guariglia), Herb graduated from Stonington High School in 1942. He pursued a BS in Electrical Engineering at the University of Rhode Island until his induction into the US Navy during World War II in 1944. He served honorably as EM2C aboard USS Stewart and USS Martin H Ray until 1946. Herb graduated Class of 1948 at URI and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He would again proudly and honorably serve his country in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952.

Herb worked nearly forty years as Lighting Designer and Director for NBC Television at Rockefeller Center in New York City. He was a pioneer in the industry, lighting such seminal television programs as the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Saturday Night Live, and Late Night with David Letterman. Among his other show credits were daytime soap operas including The Doctors, popular game shows What’s My Line and To Tell the Truth, NBC Nightly News broadcasts and televised NBC sporting events including the World Series, NCAA College Basketball, and the Orange Bowl.

His career spanned the entertainment industry both in television and theatrically. He worked with many of the world’s funniest comedians and his love of comedy greatly contributed to his upbeat personality and jovial spirit. Herb loved a good joke and would never miss an opportunity to share his personal “material”, always with a smile, a laugh, and a twinkle in his eye.

He came from a musical family and was trained classically in violin. He was especially fond of playing mandolin.

Herb retired to the Space Coast and settled in Melbourne. He and his wife Ruth joined Suntree Country Club, playing golf, tennis, and participating in social events.

For many years Herb served as a lector at Ascension Catholic Church. His faith and dedication to family were the most important callings in his life.

He is predeceased by his two brothers, Edward Greeley and George Greeley, his nephews, Clinton Wheeler III and Edward Greeley, and his niece, Lisa Leiter. He is survived by his wife of almost sixty years, Ruth Greeley, his sister Louise Greeley Wheeler, his son James Greeley, daughter Christina Brookes and son-in-law Richard Brookes. He was grandfather to Connor, Justin, and Hayley Brookes and is also survived by his loving extended family and many friends.

Herb Greeley was a generous, kind, soul and will be greatly missed.

In remembrance, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or World Central Kitchen.