Photo courtesy of Lucia Brothers Funeral Home - Bronx
May 8, 1929 - Mar 20, 2019
So very sorry to learn of the passing of Michele Greco. Deepest condolences are extended to his family. His familiar greeting, Come stai? will echo in our mind whenever we will visit Mikes Deli.
D. Fronk
April 15, 2019 | Yonkers, NY
Our sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort in knowing that God collects our tears and is close to the brokenhearted ready to comfort us in our moment of need. - Psalm 56:8
F&D
April 03, 2019
Mike, you will be deeply missed as you have touched my life with your kindness, generosity and sense of humor. You gave me my first job at the deli and you came to my wedding; thank you for celebrating my life and now I celebrate your memory. May you rest in Peace. To the Graco Family, you have my deepest condolences. May God bless you during this difficult time.
With love, Tom and Vinnie Jakaj
Vinnie Jakaj
March 24, 2019 | Bronx, NY | Friend
So very sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Judy Janeke
March 24, 2019 | Massapequa, NY | Family
Remembered By
Judy Janeke
March 24, 2019 | Massapequa, NY | Family
I will miss you blessings me daily. May you find rest and peace. Keep smiling. One love.
Gloria Martin.
March 23, 2019 | Bronx, NY | Friend
RIP Mike you brought smiles and laughs to many of us. I will never forget your singing.
Dave, My Prayers and Condolences go out to you and your Family. Roberto Lorusso
Roberto Lorusso
March 22, 2019 | Scotch Plains, NJ | Friend
We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. What a wonderful testament to a life well lived with blessings he could only dream of when he came to America. He will be truly missed by all who crossed his path as he would leave a lasting impression matched by his smile. Always remember the good times shared and he will live in your hearts forever! Much Love, The Silvani-Spisto family.
Ann Marie Silvani-Spisto
March 22, 2019 | Highland Mills, NY | Family
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Many many years ago I worked with Mike, Joe Carrots Tino, when Mike worked for Joe, Mike was a very special man. May he Rest In Peace. Respectfully Ralph Fusco
Ralph Fusco
March 22, 2019
We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Michele Q. Greco (Mike to so many). He was born May 8, 1929 in the small town of Mendicino, province of Cosenza in the region of Calabria, Italy where he attended seminary school for seven years. In 1947 at the age of 17 he left home together with his twin brother Joe to come to America. The two departed with fifty dollars and a new wool overcoat each. The Bronx would never be the same with the arrival of these two dynamic, hard working, handsome Italian brothers.
After working in construction for a few years, Mike worked at his eventual wife’s family businesses on Arthur Avenue, the Cappiello’s who had been Arthur Avenue merchants since 1922. Mike later became proud owner of Mike’s Deli in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market for over 50 years. He mentored his children and many others to work hard and “do the right thing for your boss & the customers.” He was the quintessential hard-headed, stubborn Calabrese who was outspoken and often fought for what was right, even when it was not popular.
This neighborhood became his home that he loved immensely and he referred to it as his “quartiere.” His daughter remembers years back when customers were upset when one of his workers Tino branched out to open a deli nearby. Mike would
respond saying “Competition is good for the quartiere, it will bring more people to the neighborhood!” He worked closely with other merchants and had a special relationship with Izzy Berenstein who was the Arthur Avenue Market President for many years. Mike received many honors over the years, including Merchant of the Year and Citations of Merit from Bronx Borough Presidents. With Mike’s exhuberance, the deli became a favorite stop for many mayoral, gubernatorial and even presidential campaigns with his children remembering an exciting visit from Mayor Lindsay.
Mike always considered himself truly blessed and was very proud when his son David assumed ownership of Mike’s Deli, expanding the business services. Mike was an outstanding, personification of the honest, hard working immigrant who embraced the American Dream. His legacy includes four children and five grandchildren, along with many lasting impressions and hilarious stories for all who knew him. He was the last surviving of his six siblings.
Mike’s story was depicted in the off Broadway, Cable Ace Award winning play, Behind the Counter with Mussolini. He appeared in a Ronzoni commercial made on Arthur Avenue as well as in the film Six Degrees of Separation.
Wake will be held at Lucia Brothers in the Bronx on Sunday and Monday, 3/24, 25 & funeral services at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church on Tuesday, 3/26/19 at 10:45 am.
Contributions in memory of Mike can be made to the Italian Welfare League:
http://italianwelfareleague.org/what-we-do/
Read More
