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Toby A. Greco

Toby Greco Obituary

GRECO
TOBY A., M.D., on July 17, 2007, age 91, a noted South Phila-delphia physician. Decorated naval veteran of World War II where he acted as chief surgeon on an LST. Graduate of Villanova University and Temple Medical School. Husband of the late of Dorothy (nee Langill) Greco. Dr. Greco is survived by his son Toby Greco, Jr and daughter Deborah Greco and grand-daughters Erin Jepsen, Alison Ermilio and Molly Greco. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass Saturday 11:30 A.M. SS. Philip and James Church, Corner of Route #30 & Ship Rd., Exton, PA 19341. Friends may call from 10:30 to 11:15 A.M. Saturday at the church. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Dr. Toby Greco would be greatly appreciated to the 'Senior Center at Home' Program, c/o, Barbara Caso, Senior Community Services, 600 Swarthmore Avenue, Folsom PA 19033. Arrangements LOGAN FUNERAL HOME, Exton PA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Toby Greco

55 Entries

bob marino [email protected]

April 7, 2023

My family the D'Ambrosio;s lived across Longacre Blvd. in Yeadon, Pa. from the Greco family. I remember their cabin in the yard which once Toby,s boa constrictor resided. You had the largest angel fish I have ever seen! Toby Jr. was a great shot with a water balloon flung from the large tree at the roadside. I respected your family greatly as you provided me a role model to follow. It worked as I went to Penn State after military service and a long career with the Dept. of Agriculture.
Thank you for letting me know your family.
Bob Marino

Dorothy Webb Kelley

July 14, 2019

Dr. Greco delivered all 4 of my children and all 8 of my sister's children in the 1950's. He was also a neighbor boy. I remember when he was attending Temple and walking past the home where I was growing up and he would be carrying his books under his arm. Later he became one of the most important people in my life. I truly loved that doctor and felt that next to God came Dr. Greco. There will never be another one like him. He was special.

July 23, 2008

I will always remember the converstions we would have when no one else was around. He would talk about the past, present and future, always very greatful for the life he had.I will always remember driving in the car to Erin"s wedding rehersal singing quite loudly... Frank Sinatra's greatest hits. He really made me laugh !

Dottie & Toby's 50th Anniversary

July 16, 2008

July 15, 2008

I remember one Christmas when I was alone and between marriages and he brought a small decorated tree over to my house . It was a beautiful gesture and cheered me up !

Tom Mulligan

July 14, 2008

Debbie your mother was my cousin. the first time I met your dad he had come to visit my parents in Long Beach, NY. It was in April and it was unseansonally hot. Your Dad wanted to know if he could go for a swim. I said the water is to cold. Well he decided to jump in and he immediately jump out it was only about 55 degrees.They later came back during the summer and enjoyed a day at the beach.I will always have fond memories of your Dad, love Tom

Ocean City~Toby's 90th birthday

July 13, 2008

Sandy

August 16, 2007

I was one of the many who sat with you & your family on the 41st St. beach in Ocean City.
In the beginning, there were so many of us. And eventually "our crowd" became smaller and not as much fun...
I watched all of you play sand darts together and envied how well you got along. There was no doubt how much "Dottie and Toby" loved those two girls of yours, Debbie!
We, who remain, miss the fun days when the "Grecos" entertained us and made us laugh. Dottie always had candy, fruit and the best stories... Debbie always brought the tastiest sandwiches and Toby always seemed content whiddling his merschaum pipes. I can still see the shavings falling on his chest while he worked silently, grinning at all of your antics.
It is hard for me to digest that "Erin" and "Ali" are all grown up and are so beautiful.
I wish you & your family my condolences and hope someday to see you on our beach again.

My best,
Sandy

Debbie Greco

August 12, 2007

Hi Everyone~

I am extremely behind on just about everything these days but promise that I will eventually be in touch with everyone who has contacted me.

I just received a gracious letter of thanks from Senior Community Services regarding the donations that have been sent by many of you in memory of my father. Thank you so much for honoring him in such a special way!

I'm not sure if many of you know it, but I was employed by Senior Center at Home as the program assistant for several years. I had the privilege of visiting many of the talented and interesting participants in this wonderful and therapeutic program for the homebound in Delaware County. I saw firsthand what a difference this unique program had on the lives of so many lonely people in our area. Simply engaging in a chosen activity was all it took to raise their spirits and brighten their days.

Although I was employed by SCS at that time, I now continue to participate as a volunteer. My father accompanied me on many of my home visits. He was greatly impressed by the consistent raise in affect among the elderly who were visited on a regular basis. He felt very fortunate in the fact that his own family was supportive as well as nearby. He totally empathized with those who were not so lucky and was proud that I was doing such meaningful work. If my mother had not been so ill during that time, he would have continued his visits as a volunteer himself.

Delaware County has one of the most heavily populated areas of elderly in the state of PA. Many of them desperately need the services of SCS and COSA to survive. It is for this reason that I chose this innovative outreach program for donations in my Dad's memory.

I will be contacting and thanking all of you who have given so generously to this worthy cause. Thank you so much for remembering "Toby".

SENIORS ROCK!

~Debbie xo

Betty

August 10, 2007

Debbie & Toby~
I was very sorry to learn about your father's passing. I know how close both of you were to your parents. I heard about how you both helped them move out of their two story house and into a one floor place near Debbie's house. Then after your mother passed away, you once again moved your dad into Debbie's house.
The fact that "Toby" died at home and not alone, or in a hospital somehere or in a nursing home, must make your entire family feel good.
Both of your parents were able to maintain their independence and have their privacy til the end. What nice kids you both turned out to be! I remember you all having water balloon fights out on your front lawn in Yeadon. You were a fun family to watch from afar.

~Betty D.

We're cool~Summer of 2005

August 10, 2007

Elizabeth

August 2, 2007

I just heard about Dr. Greco's death today. A cousin sent me the link so I could read the obit. I wasn't aware of the "guestbook" so I clicked. WOW! What a wonderful way to pay tribute to those who have passed on.
I am an elderly parent and just finished the entry posted by Dr. Greco's daughter. How refreshing! I am so weary of hearing and reading about how lousy parents have screwed up their kids. OR how children often blame their parents for everything that has gone wrong in their lives. Having done family counseling for many years, I am very familiar with negative role-modeling and the long-term effects on children, even well into adulthood.
It certainly is encouraging to hear that some parents have been successful and that their children and grandchildren are appreciative of the nurturing they have received.
I congratulate you, Debbie, on your terrific sense of self, family and loving remarks about your parents.

Toby with his four girls :)

Debbie Greco

August 2, 2007

Yesterday would have been my Dad's 92nd birthday. Since we had everything already planned, we decided to go ahead and celebrate his life.
We haven't really had much time lately, to all be together and talk about "the good old days", so that is exactly what we did.
Some of us were out on my brother's deck and some were inside, off and on, all through the evening. At one point, it was just Ali and I sitting outside.
Out of nowhere, an enormous beautiful butterfly kept flying into the sliders. Naturally, my daughter added some of her drama to the situation. She successfully made it past the butterfly and into the kitchen. The butterfly was somewhat relentless in trying to get inside as well. I figured that it was the light that was attacting it, so my brother turned off the outside lamp. Nothing seemed to deter this persistent butterfly so finally I tried to capture it. It literally allowed me pick it up by both wings and place it in my hand. Calmly and with some inate sense of certainty, I announced to those watching and listening, "It's my father".
I carried him gently to the perimeter of the deck and set him free. I whispered that everything was ok and off he flew into the darkness...
I know this may sound strange or perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but today I have a sense of peace that I have not felt in a long time.

Thank you to both my parents for all the caregiving they so generously provided through the years, for all the wonderful times and laughter we shared together and for the many stories we will share with our children and theirs so that they will never be forgotten. I feel strongly that they are holding hands and smiling down at all of us who cared about both of them so very much. They certainly taught us well :)

Beverly

July 30, 2007

Debbie & Toby:
I was a neighbor of yours when your family lived in Yeadon. I always envied your close relationship. I loved to visit because there was always so much laughter in your home. I even remember your beagle named "Elvis".
I also remember your mom taking me out shopping with you & buying me some clothes for school. I had lost my own mother & was living with my grandmother. I'll never forget how nice you all were to me.
I remember how your dad built a cabin in your backyard for you & your friends to play in. You were so lucky!
May both of your parents rest in peace. I'm sure that you both took excellent care of them as they aged.

Fondly,
Beverly

Bill

July 28, 2007

Deb~
I spent many days during the summer of 1968 with you & your family. Your parents even invited me up to their place at Split Rock. They were warm, funny and their enthusiasm for life was infectious. Being with you & your family during that tough time in my life was truly a godsend. Thanks for the wonderful memories :)

Bill S.

CHAR MORRISON

July 26, 2007

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR
LOSS..
YOUR DAD DELIVERED MY KIDS.. SON 45 &DAUGHTER 42.
HE WAS WONDERFUL.
HE WAS A TRUE HEALER.. THRU ALL OUR TROUBLES & STRIFE.
I WAS 20 YEARS OLD WHEN MY SON WAS BORN.. PREEMIE..
THEN 3 YEARS LATER MY DAUGHTER
THEN ALL MY CHECK UPS.
I HOPE HE'S HAPPY IN HEAVEN
YOU DEBBIE WERE GREAT TOO.
CHARLOTTE MORRISON.. SO PHILLY

After Mass at Sts. Philip & James Church

July 26, 2007

Off to the casino again~Winter 2007

July 26, 2007

"Happy hour" on the front porch~July 2006

July 26, 2007

Feeling the love from Ali~July 2007

July 26, 2007

"Mustang Toby" in Sarasota~Thanksgiving 2004

July 26, 2007

Dinner with Aunt Alice for her birthday~

July 26, 2007

Fun with Feather Lucy~Christmas 2006

July 26, 2007

Kathleen Monahan

July 25, 2007

Dear Debbie and family - I was your mother's cousin (from Long Beach, New York). I was with your parents on several occasions. They were "the greatest". My husband, Chuck, joins me in expressing our sincere sympathy on the loss of your wonderful father. Be assured that he, mom, you, and all the family will be in our prayers. God Bless and love, Kathy

Barbara

July 25, 2007

Oh Debbie: I know that your Dad had so many patients that you couldn't possibly remember me but thank you for sharing such intimate, precious moments both by your written word and the wonderful photos. You passed that lump in your throat onto me! I had the same "best friend/Daddy's little girl" relationship with my father. Your words touched me so deeply. I just have to comment on Ms. Falcone's entry. Remembering how we would NEVER reschedule when your Dad was stuck at the hospital no matter how long it took! I laughed out loud and the tears just rolled down my cheeks. I remember one time in particular it was a whole group of us that were "pretty big" and he was stuck, so all of us went to the Rexall Drug Store (remember that place)? to have lunch and kill time. Everyone in there could not take their eyes off of us and when the waitress came to the table, she said "I just have to ask, where are you all coming from?" Everyone laughed like crazy! Wait for Dr. Greco, a problem? Never, a pleasure? Always. Thanks for sharing again Debbie. I know I do not have to tell you what a special, blessed man your father was.

Taking my father and Ali to visit my co-workers at Helzberg Diamonds :)

July 24, 2007

My Dad with Brian, Erin and Alison- July 6, 2007

Debbie Greco

July 24, 2007

I just picked up these pictures that were taken between 7/4-7/6. It's hard to believe that only 11 days later, he was gone. My Dad got to see all the members of our family on several occasions during his last month with us. We celebrated "Father's Day", had a few informal dinners in between, and then Erin & Brian flew in from SF for a 3 day visit with us. Ali was over often and my Dad so looked forward to us all being together.
I planned for my father to live to be at least 100 so his passing was not expected. Isn't God wonderful that He made sure that we spent so much time together during his last days?
My father was a joy to care for and my very best friend in life. His biggest pleasure was to make everyone else happy. Although I am sad for all of us, I am so happy that he has joined my Mom on the "dance floor" once again. I can just hear "Dottie" saying, "Tob...where the hell have you been?" "I've been waiting for you."
I'm getting that old lump in my throat, so bye for now, and THANKS again for such uplifting comments and messages to my family and me.

Love,
~Debbie

July 24, 2007

Debbie~
I'm really not certain if this is an appropriate entry but I know that you will remember this.
It was around your dad's birthday and as usual, we were all sitting in the waiting room talking about food. We hit upon "Nick's" roast beef sandwiches as your father was bringing out a chart to you, Deb. When you discovered that he had never had one...you went a wee bit ballistic. You left me in charge of the office (not your best choice-ha!) and quickly left in your car. A short while later, you returned with three bags of sandwiches and chips for all of us.
My point is that we always enjoyed coming to your office because of all the fun we had.
Years ago, when your father would get called to the hospital for a delivery, we refused to go home. We all waited for him to return, no matter how long it took...and sometimes it was several hours.
You would turn on the radio to either WIBG or WHAT and we would literally have a little party :)
Such fun, such great memories of 2506 S. 20th St. Sometimes even your grandmother would come down from upstairs and sit wih us. A bit unusual, yes...but definitely PRICELESS :)
I send my best to you and your daughters and I'm so sorry for OUR loss. Your father was the absolute best :)
Love,
Cookie Falcone

Barbara Caso

July 24, 2007

Dear Debbie,

Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad. By reading all of the entries on this guest book, it is clear that your Father was a great man who was well loved and will be greatly missed. We are truly privileged to receive donations to the Senior Center at Home Program in his name. It is an honor to keep his legacy alive through these contributions to our in-home recreation therapy program.

With Sincere Sympathy,
Barbara Caso
Program Coordinator
Senior Center at Home

Toby's 84th b'day-recuperating from hit and run car accident-Aug. 1, 1999

July 24, 2007

On 41st St. beach in Ocean City, NJ

July 24, 2007

Toby in 1942 right before he left for the South Pacific

July 24, 2007

BETTY BAN

July 23, 2007

Uncle Toby was always so kind, and compassionate, and soooo good looking. When he came to Michigan a couple of years ago , I couldn't get over how handsome and charming he still was.
Having graduated from nursing at Methodist Hopsital, I saw first hand
how his patients and staff respected and loved him. He was always there for the family, and we will miss him. Love to you all

Poppy and Alison~September 2007

July 23, 2007

Maria

July 23, 2007

I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on Dr. Greco. He wasn't much older than me and so handsome and refined. I felt embarassed to have him examine me. He was so reassuring and gentle in his approach and put me completely at ease.
He delivered four of my five children. He was always there for me and comforted me on many occasions throughout the years...from the death of my mother to the unexpected death of my son. I will never forget the way he was able to make me feel through his encouragement, support and by just being "Dr. Greco". He was truly the best of the best...What a kind, compassionate, wonderful human being! No one has or ever will take his place in my eyes or those of my family.

Anonymous

July 23, 2007

I did my residency under Dr. Greco at Methodist many years ago. Even though my specialty of choice was not ob-gyn, he inspired and showed me by example how to actively be a better physician. I will never forget him nor the impact he had on the way I chose to practice medicine in this modern world.

Anonymous

July 23, 2007

He was an officer and a gentleman, a leader and a mentor, a teacher and a friend and he totally understood women and their feelings. He saved many a marriage as a counselor and really knew the importance of listening. He did not try to solve women's problems...he just offered gentle alternatives. He always was a tough act to follow in every sense of the word. His patients all respected and loved him. Our world was a better place just by his presence. May Toby rest in peace for all the peace he brought to those around him.

July 23, 2007

He always told us what he thought we wanted to hear---he was low maintenance and never asked for anything .He was very appreciative of ANYTHING anyone did for him . He was always willing to offer his help , but never gave advice .It was never about him , "IT" was always about others and he tried not to offend people ----

Joe Ban

July 23, 2007

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE GRECO FAMILY. TOBY WAS A PERSON THAT I DID NOT HAVE THE PRIVILAGE OF MEETING BUT TWICE IN MY LIFE. HOWEVER IN THOSE TWO TIMES HE MADE ME FEEL THAT WE WERE IN EACH OTHERS COMPANY ALL MY LIFE.

Gina Forte

July 23, 2007

Debbie and Family~
I remember always hearing my aunt speak so glowingly about you & your father. She absolutely refused to go to any other doctor, even after she moved quite some distance away. She is gone now but my cousin, that your father delivered, is in his fifty's. You may know him as "FABIAN". My Aunt Josephine always brought pictures of him and his family to show off to you & your dad.
Thank you for providing such a warm and welcoming place for women to meet, share and receive the very best medical care available in the Philadelphia area.
Dr. Greco's memory lives on the many hearts that he touched and the scads of kids that he delivered in the 50's and 60's.

Sincerly,
Gina Forte

Josie Russo

July 21, 2007

Debbie~
You don't know me but I heard all about you and your father from my mom and her friends. Do you remember when a group of patients rented a bus from Wildwood, just to come up for a visit and checkup at your office? They used to remark that your name should have been outside on the shingle reading: "Dr. Toby Greco and Daughter".
The whole bunch of them refused to switch doctors! They said visiting your office was like "going home where they felt safe plus entertained". They all loved your stories and the wonderful camaraderie that was shared in your office.
After they were done, they would always go to "Ralph's" for dinner and then come home.
Your dad and you not only provided a destination but a place of partnership with their health decisions and gave them a sense of well-being and total trust.
We may have come a long way in health care but there is nothing like the way your father practiced medicine.
My mom passed away a few years ago but would be proud that I posted this message to you.
May your father rest in peace for all the wonderful things he did for his patients through the years.

Sincerely,
Josie

Always together on S. 20th St.

July 20, 2007

Josie Russo

July 20, 2007

Debbie: Do you remember when we hired a bus to bring us all up from Wildwood? We always enjoyed our visits to your office...it was like coming home again. What a wonderful tribute to your father and all of the years that he kept us sane and healthy. I sincerely offer your family my condolences. (I'm thinking that both your parents are dancing up in heaven)

Love,
Josie Russo

Valerie Pinto

July 20, 2007

What an awesome team the two of you were! I always enjoyed coming into your office because no matter how I was feeling, I knew I'd feel so much better when I left. You, Debbie, always made me laugh with your stories and I felt confident that I was in the very best of hands with your father :) I always said that the sign outside should read: "Dr. Greco and Daughter". I hope that you remember me and I send hugs and sympathy to you & your beautiful daughters.

Fondly,
Valerie Pinto

Jo-Anne Curtin

July 20, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Celebrate your Dad's life. My family will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Jepsen

July 20, 2007

Dear Debbie, Rudy, Erin and Ali,
It was our great pleasure to meet Toby prior to Brian and Erin's wedding. He was a kind, gentle man. Our Brian admired him and always enjoyed his company. In the short time we spent with him, we came to realize what a special person he was.
We send our love and sympathy to you all.
Mary and Bill Jepsen

Grace Conroy

July 20, 2007

Debbie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thinking of your parents and you have brought back some fond memories for when we were at Holy Child and high school adventures. You will be in my thoughts on Saturday.

Richard Mitchell

July 20, 2007

To: Debbie and Family,
Having known DR. Greco professionally and personally, it was my privilege that his warmth and personal touch was experienced by me over the years. We are all the better for having known him.
Mitch

Debbie Greco

July 20, 2007

Thank you SO much for the wonderful comments about my father!
I cannot tell you how much it means to our family. I will be posting some pictures for you all to see. Please keep your memories of him alive by sending more each day. He would be so touched to know how you felt about him :)

March 2007~On our way to the casino...

Debbie Greco

July 20, 2007

Sydnee Thies

July 20, 2007

Debbie, Rudy and Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Barbara

July 20, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Toby Greco. I was but 18 years old when I gave birth to my first son. I was not only young and inexperienced but frightened as well. Dr. Greco cared for me and made me see all of the wonderful things that were happening as beautiful and not frightening. Even on the day I delivered. There were moments that were pretty tense for me and resulted in a C-Section but with him at my side I can honestly say I was not frightened. I have a beautiful healthy son and if it had not been for Dr. Greco I don't know if the outcome would've been so wonderful. That was more than 35 years ago. I am now 54 and a grandmother and I still remember with great fondest and respect Dr. Toby A. Greco, the man. I will keep you all in my prayers. Lord Bless You!

grace acciavatti

July 20, 2007

I just want to give my sincerest condolences and will never forget Dr. Greco as he delivered my son at the Methodist hospital on 10/23/54 and today my son is 52 years old .

Florence Collins

July 19, 2007

Deepest sympathy to the Greco Family, especially to Debbie. Dr. Greco was a wonderful physician. May he rest in peace.

Gina Novelli

July 19, 2007

Sincere condolences to the Greco Family.
Dr. Greco ~ Rest In Peace.
You will be remembered as an excellent & caring physician and
a fine example of a true gentleman
with great character.
Thank You for serving Our Country in our time of need.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mr. & Mrs. Novelli and Gina Novelli
My mom & dad still talk about the day that Dr. Greco delivered me, July 22, 1965. He was mom's physician and then became my physician in the 1980's until his retirement.

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