John Greco

John “Johnny” Greco, beloved husband, friend, mentor, storyteller, and legendary New York

squash professional, died peacefully on September 9, 2026, at the age of 88.

For more than half a century, John was a cherished and unforgettable presence in the New

York squash community. His teaching career was uniquely woven into the fabric of

Manhattan, beginning at the City Athletic Club in 1959 and continuing through the

University Club of New York, Broad Street Squash Club, Harvard Club of New York, Park

Place Squash Club, Le Parker Meridien Hotel, the Colony Club, and the River Club. He also

spent many years teaching tennis in Connecticut.

John was far more than a teaching professional. He was a teacher in the truest sense of the

word—generous with his knowledge, quick with encouragement, and always ready with an

opinion, a lesson, or a story. In 2016, his extraordinary contribution to sport was recognized

when he received the Carter Fergusson Grand Master Award.

His love of squash never diminished. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in

2008, John refused to let the illness define him or take away the sport he loved. He

continued to play, competing in the National Singles eight times after his diagnosis. He

also participated in the World Masters in Charlottesville, VA in 2018 at the McArthur

Squash Center at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. It was the first World Masters held in the

United States with more than 800 players representing dozens of countries.

John’s resilience was inspiring, but perhaps what people will remember most was his

extraordinary ability to bring people together. He was an inveterate storyteller, with a

seemingly endless supply of tales from a life well-lived on and off the squash court.

John leaves behind his loving wife Kathleen and his family, and generations of students,

colleagues, competitors, and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him. He will

be remembered for his toughness, humor, generosity, competitive spirit, loyalty, and

enormous zest for life.

Most of all, John will be missed for the simple presence of having him in the room: telling a

story, talking about squash and offering advice to players—whether they had asked for it or

not. He was one of a kind, and he will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers please donate to

US Squash, The Parkinson’s Foundation, Inc. or Squash and Education Alliance.