Albert John William Greso

Dear Diana and the Greso family;

Al and I were British peers, Gondoliers, and Yeomen together. I helped him build the Tower of London stone by stone, in canvas and paint! We enjoyed several men's choruses with the NW Savoyards.

As a choir member at St. Mary Magdalene, I enjoyed singing all the baritone and bass parts of hymns with Al. His solo rendition of Panis Angelicus still echoes in my heart.

Ever patient, always loving, those were the hallmarks of Al's great heart. I think he wore it out with his great love. Oddly, I am one of the few who never had him cut my hair. I'll have to wait till I meet him again in heaven to see what he'd recommend.

My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss.

Pat,
It's been a long time. My brother Ken Hofmann and I, Karlene, went to school with you. (you were 1 year ahead). Anyway, I wanted to send my condolences. My dad, Karl Hofmann, always thought so highly of your father and if he was alive today, he would have made sure your family knew what a great guy he was. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time of loss. Cherish the memories!

Diana and Family,
Al was a true gentleman. It was an honor to know him. He had so many talents and interests. He will be missed by so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,

When I moved to Everett in '04, I asked the local barber supply to recommend someone who specialized in mature men's cuts. They mentioned "Al at the Elk's Club". That introduced me to the nice circle of friends who would gather at the Elk's barbershop.

I learned about Al's support of the community, his love of cooking for groups, his respect for the Armed Services, and his flair for organizing through his annual holiday events in support of needy families.

When the Elk's Club sold the site he moved down the street and shared space with another shop until a stroke impaired his vision.

He and his wife were caring for his grandson, Ashton, who was the apple of Al's eye.

Rest in peace, Al, you were a fine friend with a warm heart and an inspiration to many.

Words can't say enough about Al. He was a very caring and generous man and will be missed by all. Al has always been a part of my life and will forever be with me in spirit. And like my sister said, he's in heaven with our dad drinking coffe, having pie and catching up.

I first met Al when I was a long-haired teenager. He never gave me a hard time about it, which was remarkable, especially considering his profession. When I reconnected with him years later, he was still the kind and fun man I had known as a kid, and he became my barber.

By then I'd given up the long hair look. In fact, I'd given up most of my hair altogether. I tried to dicker with him on the cost of my haircuts, claiming that he didn't have to work as hard on my head. He would get that twinkle in his eye and then he'd smile and say, "Now Ken, I might have to charge you extra for the 'finders fee'." He made me laugh every time.

Al was one of the driving forces that made the Elks such a great club to belong to. He did so much for that lodge and for all of us. It wasn't just a place to go work out or have a drink in the bar. It was an extended family. When a member walked downstairs to go to the gym or the showers, the first thing they'd see at the bottom was Al in his barber shop, surrounded by friends and customers. If the customers weren't friends at first, they soon would be. The first time I went there for a haircut, Al greeted me with, "Welcome to the dungeon." Maybe, but it was the friendliest dungeon I'll ever set foot in, and I miss it to this day.

To all the Greso family: please know that my heart aches for every one of you. Knowing your dad was one of the highlights of my life and I will never forget him. God bless you all.

To know Al was to admire him... To be able to eat his WONDERFUL TASTY cooking was a treat... To get to hear him sing was a pleasure... To get a haircut from him was an honor... To say Al will be missed is a huge understatement! Al is a great individual that was always willing to help his friends and the whole Everett Elks community. The impact that he made in many peoples lives is indescribable. My thoughts an prayers are with his family. I know that Al is hanging out with my dad and the other Elks in heaven and will always be looking over the club and it's family.

Al was not only a great barber, cook (Cajun meatloaf) and singer, but he was a kind man who was always there to help people. Al was always there for my dad when he needed help with something and I am eternally grateful for Al's kindness and friendship. I like to think that Al and my dad (Billy Joe) are in heaven having coffee and 'shootin' the breeze.'

Al was my grandfathers barber for many years and he also sang at my grandfathers funeral, my grandfather spoke so highly of Al. May the two of you be singing and having a great time in the heavens above. God Bless, your family are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very tough time.

Al cut my hair from the old days at Frontier Village. Long hair,flat top, conceal what you can haircuts for over 35 years until we moved to California. I'm down to a number one on home haircuts now and I will always remember Al as number one when it comes to a family man, tolerance with hand ball players, and what he gave back to the community and the Everett Elks Club. He remains a number one in my book for eternity.