Frank Greco

Frank Greco was born in Omaha, NE, on September 21, 1924. He was the youngest child of Charles and Melina Greco, who came to this country as children. He had a brother, Sam, and two sisters, Josephine and Helen, all of whom preceded him in death.

Frank joined the Army in 1943, and trained in the U.S. as a paratrooper with the 17th Airborne. However, he ended up in the 82nd Airborne, the oldest Airborne Division. He made his first jump in May of 1943. He fought in D-Day on June 6, 1944, and in the Battle of the Bulge later that year in December, where Belgium had the coldest winter in years. They marched three days and three nights into Bastogne to defend it. After the Bulge, and after re-training in England, he headed to Germany for the Rhine River jump, which he did in a glider. The 82nd were the first American troops in Berlin after the Russians. They stayed there, occupying Berlin until the war was over in Europe. He was discharged in 1946, came home on the Queen Mary, and participated in the Victory Parade on January 17, 1946, in New York City. Frank then joined the Reserves and ended up in Korea from 1950-1952.

Back home in Omaha, Frank married Carol Toscano; and they were married 16 years. He went on to plumbing school, got his license in late 1952, and went to work for Natkin & CO, the largest mechanical contractor in the country at that time. In 1953 his only child, Cynthia, was born.

In 1955 he was transferred to Pueblo, CO, as project engineer at Corwin Hospital. The family lived there two years before moving to Arvada, CO, where he started his own business, Industrial Plumbing & Heating, which was very successful.

Frank met Linda Finson, who would become his second wife. Together they moved to Pueblo in 1968, where he lived until his death.

Frank & Linda enjoyed travelling, and went to Rio de Janeiro, super bowls, and championship boxing matches. They especially loved Lake Tahoe and Vegas. They enjoyed raising, breeding and showing Arabian horses; and had many animals over the years.

He retired in 1990, and loved to golf and play cards at the country club with his buddies.

In addition to his wife, daughter and son-in-law, John, he is survived by two granddaughters, Laura Franks and Kerrie Franks. He was blessed with a great-grandson, Johnny, in 2004.

Frank knew how to have a good time and will be remembered as a generous man with a great personality. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Frank passed away Sept. 6, 2011. A Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Shrine of St. Therese, Pueblo, CO. Donations may be made in Frank’s memory to PAWS for Life through the funeral home office. Online condolences at www.tgmccarthy.com.