George Anthony Greco

George Greco passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home Merrill Gardens, Tacoma WA at the age of 95 on Wednesday November 10, 2021.
George was born on July 27, 1926 in Tacoma, WA, to Luigi and Mary Greco. He was the youngest of eight children-all whom have proceeded him to their eternal rest. George grew up on his family’s 10-acre mini farm in Parkland helping his family raise their livestock, harvest fruit and vegetables. He attended school at Parkland grade and junior high schools, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. He had treasured memories coming home from school where his mother would-be cooking spaghetti sauce and baking bread. “I would cut a slice of bread and dip it into the sauce—it smelled and tasted soooo good.”

Since early in his youth he participated in Basketball, Golf and Track. In August 1944 he joined the US Navy, attending Boot Camp in Faragut Idaho. During his Service he traveled the world in eight months including the ports of Melbourne, Australia, Calcutta, India Lorenzo Marks, Africa, and through the Suez Canal to Toronto Italy. He was a proud and valued World War II veteran. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, he met his future wife Josephine (Jo) Scopoli and was married February 1,1947, until her passing in 2000. Together they had three children: Linda Marie (1948), Don (1954) and Deanne (1960). Linda Marie passed away Nov 1949. Throughout Don and Deanne’s childhood their parents hosted frequent large extravagant Spaghetti dinners shared with extended family and traveling many of the Western states in the family trailer. George and Jo’s shared value: “family first, and Everyone was welcomed family.” George was commonly referred to as “Papa” by most everyone. George and Jo developed many valued friendships whom they stayed connected until their passing. Throughout his life he would often meet these friends for dinner gatherings or lengthy “catch up calls.”

While at Merrill Gardens he developed additional friends, reunited with old friendships, establishing more memories, shared laughter and happiness. George worked thirty-five years for the US Government (Defense Department), retired in 1981. Upon his retirement he managed the Highlands Golf Course for twelve years-1982-1993. He Loved to play golf, including his seven aces, especially at Highlands and spend time with his “buddies.” He was an AVID Sports enthusiast-following the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and University of Washington, and especially the PGA golf tournaments. Papa, was very proud of his children: Don (Jennifer) and Deanne (Marty-deceased), grandchildren: Leah (Blake), Corey, Haley, Morgan, MacKenzie and one Great grandchild: Jamieson. He never forgot a birthday, loved attending Birthday parties, dinners, and get together with his family! Most Fridays, until recently, Papa would go to the casino-enjoying his wins and even sometimes losses, being able to tell a Great story of his experiences!

Our Papa Loved everyone! We all share Happy memories and will remember his example of Love. We will think of him often and smile. He is now reunited with his parents, siblings, first Love: Jo, daughter: Linda Marie, son in law Marty, and friends from the past! Until we see you again—We Love you!

A Memorial Services will be at St. Rita’s Catholic Church: 1403 S Ainsworth Ave, Tacoma, WA, on Dec 3,2021 at 11 am.
 

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