My brother just found out today about the passing of Mr. Greco and told me. My mother was so grateful to have him as my brother’s Kindergarten teacher at Woods Road. My brother had a lot of problems in Pre-K and Mr. Greco was so loving and understanding. My brothers loved him and how he was creative and would sing/play guitar in class. I can’t believe how young he was when he died- he is my parent’s age and I can’t imagine losing them now. I suppose Jesus has a plan for us all but it still feels like it was too soon. I hope he didn’t suffer. Rest in peace Mr. Greco, you were an incredible person with a huge heart. I feel for your family greatly.

I can’t believe it has been a year since Mr. Greco passed. Both my son, Joseph and my daughter, Stephanie were your Kindergarten students. I also had the honor of working with you for a few years at Woods Road. Both of  my children are college graduates and they still say you were the best teacher they ever had. I am writing this memory today because we have been sorting through old pictures, report cards, and school work and have come across things from Kindergarten. We have reminisced about what a caring, talented, and positive light Mr. Greco was for us. We know you are singing, playing guitar and continuing to share your light in Heaven. You may have moved on, but you will always be remembered our Beloved Mr. Greco. May God Bless your beautiful family. 
Thank you always,
The Mahoney Family 

I came across this news from a former classmate who also adored Mr. Greco! 
Mr. Greco was my Kindergarten teacher in 1996! and what an amazing one at that! I was one of those children who screamed and cried at the thought of leaving my mothers side, I was thrown out of pre k for the amount of tears I shed daily. The day I met Mr. Greco was the day that changed my life as a student forever. He handled me with such gentleness and kindness. He was truly made to do what he set out to do. Be an educator. He was truly amazing, with each tear I shed, he knew just how to console me. He placed my school desk right next to his, and he wasn’t only my teacher, but my best friend. He set the tone and placed the stepping stones for my entire school career. Each year I was at woods road he made it a point to check up on me. And my younger sister after that! I don’t remember many of my teachers, but one thing is for sure, Mr. Greco has lived on in my heart forever. I set out to work in the education field myself, becoming a pre k teacher and moving on to work in a district myself. He was a remarkable human being and I truly do believe he is a major part of my success. If I am half the educator he was, I will have lived a fulfilling life. I hope to bring such kindness and joy to each student that crosses my path. I owe him more thank you’s than I could ever give out. What a huge loss to the community. I am so sorry for your loss. I will forever be grateful he was a part of my life. ❤️

Mr. Greco was my kindergarten teacher at Woods Road in 1996. He fostered a wonderful classroom, eliminated the anxiety most children feel when leaving home to start school, and made all in his class feel loved. He was a positive male role model for a lot of children who needed one. When I think of him, the words kindness, love, and virtue are front of mind. He remains one of my very few role models in life. 

My relationship with Joe extended years beyond kindergarten, into college. A friend and I would randomly (without any notice) show up to visit him at Woods Road after school was out. I realize now so many years later, being an adult with a job myself, how few people there are (myself included) that would be so willing to give somebody their time and energy at the end of a long work day… but whenever we popped in, he would always give us his time and attention. We‘d sit and talk for hours. He helped keep us on track, and remained a mentor throughout my early life.

I won’t try to transcribe hours and hours of conversation here, but it could all be boiled down to Joe guiding us towards how to be good people - honorable, respectful, kind men. He listened with his full, undivided attention. These remain some of the most formative moments of  my life, and I wonder now the kind of man I would be if we never met. Truly, there is no man I hold in higher regard. More than anyone I’ve met in my lifetime, he honestly had the most positive influence on me. 

I regret that over the years we fell out of touch. I really just want his family to understand that to all of his students he was our superhero and a rockstar. He was so very good to me and even my mother.

Time is our most valuable resource and Mr. Greco was always very generous with his. Going fishing with him will always be a highlight in my life. I hope to go halibut fishing in Alaska some day, in his honor, and I know he will be right there with me. What a wonderful man - he loved his family deeply. 

Cousin Joey was always a Lot of Fun to be with, & the Kindest & most Thoughtful person ever!  As a youngster, my parents (Dr. Caesar & Terry Ruggieri) would take my sister & I to Long Island to see Uncle Pat & Aunt Merrill (she & my mom were sisters) & of course, my “fabulous 1st cousins, Patricia, Kenny, Joey, Steve, & Timmy”.  Well… being city slickers from New York City itself, we knew nothing about “Clamming”.  The Greco’s were “experts” & shortly after arrival, we would go out on Uncle Pat’s  boat & watch the Greco boys work their wonders!  I remember watching in awe as they would shuck & clean those clams & a good time was had by all! 


On one such occasion, my dad Caesar didn’t bring a pair of shorts so Uncle Pat suggested if he could spare the pants he had on, he could cut them into shorts.  He did  exactly that & in an effort to straighten out the length, they got shorter & shorter & shorter until my dad appeared to be wearing a Speedo!!  We all had a good laugh!!!  We then ate those fabulous clams inside the house & listened to some fabulous music played by various instruments by my cousins while we joined in & sang some beautiful songs.



As for Joey, he once had a conversation with my mother-in-law in which she told him of her love for “Pickled Herring”…  she was shocked when he actually showed up on her doorstep in Lido Beach one day, gave her a home-made jar of pickled herring, & proudly announced that he went out boating & caught & pickled them just for her!  What a spectacular & thoughtful gesture on his part!



I also remember Joey’s beautiful wife, Lillian, & together they created & raised a loving family which I’m looking forward to meeting. 



Joey, there’s no doubt in my mind  that you’re resting peacefully & happily up in Heaven with God, & will be boating across the Heavenly Skies!  We will surely miss you!!! 


With Love & Sincerest Condolences, 
Cousin Nanette Ruggieri-Winick &
Brandon & Blake Winick 

I can not begin to express the feeling that came over me when I received a text message informing me of Joe's passing.
  I was extremely blessed to have taught with Joe at Belmont and Woods Road schools and to have had his three children as students.
  Joe was a GREAT man.  His humility was so real, his kindness transcended  all he did.  I learned so much from Joe.
   I loved Joe as a worker, as a teacher, as a father as a husband, as an athlete, as a musician and as  a man of Faith.
  My life is better having known him.

My fondest memory of Mr Greco is the time that I witnessed the aurora borealis with him, Joey and Eric. I didn’t even know what it was, or the rarity of it, so I was completely out of my element. But somehow sitting in Mr Greco’s backyard, gazing up at this strange pink ribbon in the sky, I felt an unexpected sense of comfort because of the company I was with. Mr Greco always knew how to make you feel at home.  


Thank you Mr. Greco for being the best kindergarten teacher ever.  You made me feel so special and loved in your class.  Rest In Peace and I Love You ❤️ -Gavin Aquino

So very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Lillian, and all the Grecos. Joe was a wonderful Godly man and a sweetheart. Many good memories of him playing his violin. We know he is playing music now at the big band up in heaven.  Much love, Donna and Brian Smith.

When I moved to North Babylon in 1998, all I heard was, see if you can get Mr Greco as your sons teacher, best teacher at woods road elementary. My oldest son Robert had him and we couldn’t have been happier, when my son Ryan also got into Mr Grecos class we were thrilled, I ran into Joe at some point and told him Ryan would be in his class, but Ryan was extremely shy, wasn’t going to be easy. A month before school was to start Mr Greco stopped by my house to introduce himself to Ryan, this made Ryan feel much better about going to school. The world will miss Joe Greco!

Thank you Mr. Greco 
You will be always in our hearts, you were a wonderful teacher, the best my daughters could have had. Thank you for your love, for your passion for teaching and for leaving a mark on each of the hearts of the
that we met you. 

I had Mr. Greco as a teacher in kindergarten and he truly is one of the best teachers I have ever met. I had a lot of anxiety as a child and he was always such a supportive figure for me. I have many memories of him from when I was so little that I'll never forget. From him playing guitar to even going as far to make educational song mixtapes for the class; he was phenomenal. I remember that everyone loved him at school. In my class there was never a dull moment with him and it's really something you'll only experience once in life. When he retired, even kids who weren't in his class cried because they were going to miss him. I'm graduated now and I still appreciate every kind word and gesture that I received from him. Rest in peace, Mr. Greco. <3

to Joe's family: sending our heartfelt condolences for your loss. May he rest in peace with the angels. 
-Monte & Johanne Schmidt

September 2017 - Evey and Eric’s Wedding

I hadn't seen Mr. Greco since the soccer days with  Mike  W. and Joe Jr. ,but do remember him as  having a very positive personality that encourage the boys to do the best they could and always had a smile on his face. Never judgemental always alight . my condolences  .Jwalsh 

Halloween October 2021 - Dad, Eric, and Baby Joey

December 2020 - Baby Joey’s First Birthday

December 2019 - Dad with his grandson, Joseph Greco, his namesake 

December 2019

Dad with his grandson, Joseph Greco, his namesake

September 2017
Evey and Eric’s Wedding 

September 2017

Evey and Eric’s Wedding

Mr. Greco taught my kindergarten class in 2011-2012. He was loving, funny, a great singer, and an awesome teacher. He was very patient and he made learning feel fun and not a requirement . Our whole class was like one big family and Mr. Greco made sure everyone was included. I’m honored to be one of his students. I’m sending my condolences to the Greco family and may he Rest In Peace. 
- Nalasia Chavannes

First Look with Dad on Lauren's Wedding Day

Grandma and Grandpa meeting Baby Eleanor for the first time 

I am cousin Rachel Platea Baglivo. My Mom Irene Platea was my Aunt Merrill's older sister & I wanted to share about all the great memories that I remember coming out to LI from Brooklyn. We always had such a great time, cousins Michele, Nanette (Aunt Terry's daughters) my sister Francine & me. We would always chase the boys around & played so many games back in the day. Rest in Peace cuz, you earned it. 🙏 🎶💜🙏

Grandma and Grandpa meeting Baby Eleanor for the first time.  9/27/21

Rise of the Jack-o-Laterns: Westbury Gardens

Mr. Greco was the perfect example of an amazing kindergarten teacher. He shaped young lives everyday and every year. He was dedicated to his students and even the whole family. In turn, families loved him back. Myself, two sisters, and 2 cousins all had him as out kindergarten teacher. What a beautiful person. Terribly sad to hear this news but extremely honored to have been a kindergarten student of his. I went back to woods road my senior year of high school and while he didn’t recognize me at first, he recognized my father and immediately put the two together and it brought tears to his eyes. The level of care he had is …….untouchable by any other teacher I’ve experienced in life. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and lessons Mr. Greco!

My uncle Joe was probably the most positive and happy person I have ever met. I remember being so so excited to spend every single holiday at his house and watch him play his violin at all the family events and him even trying to get me to learn it (I never could). He made every event so special and he was always interested in anything you had to say. He was truly an amazing person. 

I knew him from my brother having him as a teacher and then I remember my mom getting the notice before I started kindergarten that he was going to be my teacher (1997) and I was beyond happy. He would play the guitar in class and was just so much fun. He always remembered me through my years in elementary school and even after. I have nothing but great memories of him! 

Our deepest condolences are extended to Joe's beautiful family. I taught with Joe at Marion G. Vedder Elementary School, and will always remember him as a very gentle and kind person and inspirational teacher. Cheryl Babirad and Family

My heart is heavy with this news but my soul rejoices for Mr. Greco.  He is home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Mr. Greco taught my two daughters. They loved him dearly.   We all loved him.  He was an amazing teacher but more importantly an amazing man.   He was truly a blessing to everyone he met.  He had a beautiful spirit and will be missed.  May the Lord comfort you  with the knowledge that he is walking on streets of gold with Jesus by his side.   God bless you. 

John, Lorraine, Daphne and Darla Sparacio 

My family will always remember Mr Greco with fond memories 2 of my children had him for kindergarten in Woods Road Elementary 
Catherine and CJ they remember KD Bear and sitting around while he played his guitar For with the angels and rest easily
Love the Ugalde Family

Mr Greco was both my kindergarten teacher and my brother’s. To this day, he remains the greatest teacher I’ve ever had. Knowing his soul came here to touch so many hearts fuels me to follow in his legacy. Thank you for your light Mr Greco. May you fly with the angels now ❤️ Love, Stephanie M

Mr. Greco was my Kindergarten teacher and for everyone's birthday he'd bring out his guitar and place a garbage can in the front of the classroom. The celebrant would then skip around it in circles with each table in the class while he played his guitar and that will always be one of my core memories. 

I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Joey's passing. I know he will be playing his violin in Heaven's band with Glen probably on drums.  Gone too soon. Will be praying God's comfort and grace to the whole family.
Love,
Janet Damiano


We are so sorry for your loss. Joe will forever be in our hearts. His beautiful smile and laughter is one we will always remember. Rest In Peace sweet cousin…until we see you again..We love you
Barry and Dina

Mr. Greco was the perfect example of an amazing kindergarten teacher. He shaped young lives everyday and every year. He was dedicated to his students and even the whole family. In turn, families loved him back. My sister and I both had him back to back years! What a beautiful person. Terribly sad to hear this news but extremely honored to have been a kindergarten student of his. I went back to woods road my senior year of high school and while he didn’t recognize me at first, he recognized my father and immediately put the two together and it brought tears to his eyes. The level of care he had is …….untouchable by any other teacher I’ve experienced in life. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and lessons Mr. Greco! 

For Mrs. Greco , your children, and the entire Greco Family, our deepest sympathy for your loss.  We were lucky enough to have Mr. Greco teach our two daughters. He was the most giving, understanding and avid supporter of his students. He taught because  he loved to teach.  He went above and beyond what a teacher does. He went above and beyond what a person does.His students adored him not just in kindergarten but  always.  My girls are now 24 and 18 respectively and are devastated with the news of his death.  We mourn with you for the loss of this incredible man.  May you have some comfort in knowing that he was loved, admired, respected and that he left his mark on this world.We are so  privileged to have known him . He will live on in our hearts and memory. May he Rest In Peace. Baez- Haberman Family

OBITUARY

Joseph Frank Greco

August 13, 1953 – July 18, 2022

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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