John "Jack" T. LiGreci

We are sad to announce the death of Jack LiGreci, on November 4, 2026, passing peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

The way he lived his epic life and the legacy he has left is reason to rejoice and celebrate – which is fitting as he was the quintessential host for over 60 years.

Jack was born in Harlem, New York, however, Staten Island was his heart and soul. He attended Blessed Sacrament and St. Peter’s High School for Boys and basically never left his beloved West Brighton neighborhood.

Jack’s interest in the restaurant business began with flipping burgers at Al Deppe’s then bartending stints at Sunset Lanes and Raniero’s. These experiences inspired him to open his first Restaurant “LiGreci’s” at the young age of 25, thus beginning his Forest Avenue legacy in 1963.

He credited many serendipitous events that helped him find great success in one of the toughest businesses on the planet (his words). Notably, being joined by his business partner, brother Nicholas LiGreci, whom he described as the best partner a person could ever have. Nick along with his wife Emilie added to the charm of this local family-run business.

Jack and Nick were grateful for the support of their entire family. Their mother, Josephine, was a major asset particularly in the early years. She worked as cook and bookkeeper and their father, John, was a talented carpenter, making repairs around the building. Many will remember Nick’s son, Jimmy, in the kitchen, Jack’s son, Kenny, in the office, and Jack and Nick’s sisters Josephine greeting them at the entrance, Vera waitressing, and Gloria and her husband Pete’s endorsement.

Jack’s energy, enthusiasm, charisma, tendency to perfection and incredible work ethic were entirely his own. He often said “Put a microphone in front of me and I’m as quiet as a mouse, but behind a bar, I’ll talk until your ears bleed” He loved people and their stories, and always listened with a kind heart. Never a judgmental bone in his body. He made everyone feel like a personal friend.

In 1971, Jack and Nick ventured across the street from LiGreci’s and opened up LiGreci’s Staaten Restaurant, formerly Bilotto’s Staaten. Jack valued his great chefs, maitr’ds, managers and his entire hardworking and loyal staff. He had high expectations for all his employees, simultaneously he felt gratitude and pride in their achievements. He was inspirational, as several employees went on to run their own successful businesses. All along the way, he attributed his success to his ever faithful customers, whom he considered his friends, and always the steadfastness of his family.

Jack also shared ownership of Kents East with Jumbo Smith 1980 -1987, a happening night club along Forest Avenue’s famous Peter Pan Alley. Jack enjoyed being a long-standing member of this collection of local bars famed for the camaraderie of customers and owners of which some became lifelong friends. Through the years The Staaten transformed from fine dining to a significant catering establishment. Many Staten Islanders can attribute The Staaten for making their celebration special and becoming part of their own family’s memories. Until recently, Jack was a fixture, guiding the business to the next generations. He worked side by side with his son Gary and grandson John to ensure the Staaten continues to be an integral part of the Staten Island community. In addition to the work he loved, he also enjoyed leisure time at Long Beach Island, St. Maarten, and Florida. He was an avid sports fan. He was faithful to the NY Jets. As a season ticket owner, he attended many games with his pals. Then there’s the Yankees !! He had an uncanny memory for baseball statistics, which he cultivated from boyhood, no one could beat him in a challenge. His favorite moment as a child was the 1947 World Series. It was the Yankees vs the Dodgers, and his father surprised him, bringing home the first TV in the neighborhood so he could cheer his team to the Championship.

Anytime he could, Jack thrived on entertaining others. Hosting his epic Super Bowl parties with his 1st wife Gerri at their home in Randall Manor, his famous Mens Christmas Dinner at The Staaten, also continuing his parents’ tradition of Christmas Eve with his recently deceased wife Barbara at their home in Westerleigh.

Jack was continually honored for his generosity and dedication to his community through multiple charitable organizations. Most recently and to his great honor he was recognized as Businessman of the Year by the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s at the Forest Avenue St. Patricks Day Parade.

As we bid farewell to our dearest Jack, we can rest assured that he lived well, and true. He was famous for his quotes, one of his favorites was “We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time”. We know he had a good time and brought all those around him a good time too. You might say 88 years is a good run, but deeply missed he will be.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved parents John and Josephine LiGreci, siblings Josephine Kent (Bill), Nicholas LiGreci (Emilie) Gloria DiGuilio (Pito),Vera Nash (Bill), son Kenneth LiGreci, first wife Geraldine Callahan LiGreci, and second wife Barbara Farley LiGreci.

He is survived by his loving children Gary (Liz), Lynne Mangini (Douglas), step-children Candace Maroney, Darren Garcia, grandchildren Nina LiGreci, Lauren LiGreci Brown (Chris), Michael LiGreci ( Balbina) John LiGreci, Denise LiGreci Molinario (Matt), Katie Iannarone (Gary), Rachel Antonacci (Anthony), Carly Creager (James), Clark Mangini (Kassidy), Jack Mangini, Kayla Maroney, Isabella Garcia and nine great-grandchildren, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes you would share a story or memory about Jack, please email [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Peter’s Boys High School, or Sacred Heart Church in Jacks’ honor.

Visiting Sunday 7:00 to 9:00 pm & Monday 3:00 to 8:00 pm Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Avenue Staten Island. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 11:00 am Sacred Heart RC Church 981 Castleton Avenue Staten Island.