Dominic A. Greco

Dominic Americo Greco, age 93, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away from complications of a stroke on February 10, 2016. Beloved Husband of the late Hazel Whittle and the late Patricia Pruett. Dear Father of Carol (David) Rauh and Louis Greco, and Stepfather of Michael Pruett, Pamela Meyer, Joseph Pruett, Angel Pruett, Kitty Morrow, and Shawn Pruett. Loving Grandfather of David Rauh, Alexander (Pamela) Rauh, Tony (Madi) Greco, and Lizzie Greco; Great-Grandfather of Alice Greco. Dear Brother of Louis (Carol) Greco, the late Anne Schwartz, and Emilio Greco Jr. Dear Brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Born to Adelina Bruno Greco and Emilio Greco, immigrants from Spezzano Piccolo, Dominic was the first to graduate high school and college in his family. In January 1944, after graduating from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy at Rolla, MO with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and qualified to attend Midshipmen’s School at the Naval Academy (V-7 Program) at Annapolis, MD. After the Naval Academy, Dominic attended Amphibious Diesel Engineering School at General Motors Institute in Flint, MI to study landing craft infantry engines.

In October 1944, he was assigned to the Pacific Theater as Engineering Officer of LCI(R)-224, an anti-personnel rocket landing craft—a flat-bottomed gunboat with 30 sailors and 4 officers that supported amphibious landing craft. On board, he was promoted to Lieutenant JG, and assigned the Executive Officer position.

He survived multiple invasions, including Lingayen Gulf and the capture of Corregidor. He also survived five typhoons. Of the 12 ships in his flotilla, only three remained. He lost hearing in his left ear during the Lingayen Gulf invasion. He received several medals for his service: the Victory Ribbon for WWII, the American Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Star, and the Asiatic-Pacific Star.

In 1946, Dominic joined his Uncle, Louis Bruno, at Sewing Machine Service & Supply Company, Inc. (SMS). He was recognized as a leading distributor for industrial sewing equipment across the Midwest. He was President of SMS from 1970 until his retirement in 2003. He is a member of St. Raphael the Archangel Roman Catholic parish, American Legion Post 111, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, and the Gateway Corkball League. The Veterans History Project videotaped him for the Library of Congress archives. He was August 2013 Patriot of the Month for the Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, sponsored by the John Sappington Chapter. He was proud to have served his country.

Dominic enjoyed family. He was fortunate to have two great loves in his life. Always a people person, he had a twinkle in his eye, an infectious smile, and a bear hug ready. He had a positive and encouraging attitude, so everyone looked to him for guidance, whether personal or professional. He was great company and so much fun to be around. We miss him…

Private services with full military honors were held. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, February 20 at St. Raphael the Archangel Church, 6040 Jamieson Avenue at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the Church beginning at 9:30 am. Immediately following the Mass, there will be reception at Favazza’s from 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Masses and Memorials to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis, PO Box 795039, St. Louis, MO 63179-0795 or local parish) are appreciated. The family of Dominic Greco wishes to thank all those who cared for him during his illness, especially the Lutheran Senior Services REACH Short Term and Hospice Teams at Laclede Groves, and to the staff at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. Condolences may be offered at www.hoffmeistercolonial.com