Frank J.A. Greco

GRECO,
Frank J.A.
(Age 85)

Passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Gloria. Frank was born in Spokane to Emilio and Mary Greco and attended North Central High School, where he participat-ed in track and field. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and, after successfully landing at Normandy Beach on D-Day, earned a Purple Heart after losing a limb during an enemy bombing run at St. Lo in August 1944. After a lengthy rehabilitation in Utah, Frank returned home, where he married and worked in vacuum repair, car mechanics, and at Rainier Brewery. He found his life's work when he joined Schindler's Orthotic and Prosthetic Services in 1951. He served as an orthotist, crafting leg and back braces, and spent many hours assisting patients at Shriners' Hospital for Children. He proudly retired in 1987 after 35 years of service. An athlete prior to his military service and an award winning weight trainer after, he passionately followed his favorite sports teams and players, especially Wayne Gretzky -" whom he got to meet -" and the Mariners. He loved hockey, avidly following the Spokane Flyers, Jets, and Comets, and coached an adult recreation league team. He greatly enjoyed attending games and rooting for his youngest son, Donn, who played youth hockey from Pee-Wee to Juniors. He enjoyed his duties as usher at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, where he was a founding member and served for many years as head usher. Frank is survived by his two sons, Donn of Spokane, F. James of Encinitas, California; his daughter-in-law, Jane; and five grandchildren -" Anthony, Aubrey, Brian, Creston, and Matthew. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. Fifth Avenue, Spokane, WA, 92004. A visitation will be held Monday, March 28, from noon to 5 p.m. at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division Street, Spokane. Funeral services and mass will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, at Assumption, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road, Spokane. Frank possessed a loving heart, a passion for life, and a devotion to Catholicism. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten for his love and thoughtfulness. Please sign Frank's online guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.