Albert John William Greso

Albert John William Greso

Albert Greso Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 14 to Apr. 16, 2009.


Albert John William Greso

Al Greso, 78 of Everett, died, April 10, 2009.
He was born October 24, 1930 in Duquesne, PA to Dora (Fedor) and Steven Greso, the youngest of 10 children. Al graduated from Duquesne High School and joined the US Navy, serving four years aboard the US Aircraft Carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt CV42.
Al held a genuine love for his family, community and country, was proud of his Hungarian heritage and well known for his sense of integrity, compassion, and great humor. He loved to sing for Everett area choirs, and was often asked to sing solos at local weddings and funerals. He created works of art on canvas and backdrops as well as in masonry projects. He also cooked for small to large community gatherings. (Cajun meatloaf: one of his specialties.) In addition, Al often volunteered to cut the hair of sick and elderly people unable to leave their residencies.
He was the barber at the Everett Elks Club from 1968 to 2008, a past Exulted Ruler, the head cook for many memorable breakfasts.
He was a Past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus and cooked at many of the steak dinners. Al was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Everett Eagles, Normana Hall/Sons of Norway, Northwest Savoyards, Seattle Scottish Singers and member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Immaculate Conception and St. Mary Magdalene Parishes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Diana Lee (Kincaid) Greso; six children, Deborah Dunham, of Houston, TX, Steven Greso, of Snohomish, WA, Christopher Greso, of Everett, WA, Aaron Greso, of Culpeper, VA, Patrick Greso of Concrete, WA, and Margaret Greso, of Seattle, WA; seven grandchildren, Angela, Selina, Natalie, Maria, Ashton, Emily, and Olivia; three great-grandchildren, Nicole, Elsa and Noelle; his sister, Pearl Pavelko, of McKeesport, PA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 16, at Immaculate Conception, 2501 Hoyt Ave. Everett, WA 98201. A reception follows at the VFW, 2711 Oaks Ave., Everett, WA 98203.
In lieu of cards and flowers, contributions toward the education of Al's grandson Ashton Greso, can be sent to 604 104th Pl. S. E., Everett, WA 98208.

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May 3, 2009

Paul Gallagher posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2009

Karlene Hofmann-Bolton posted to the memorial.

April 18, 2009

Carol Cassidy posted to the memorial.

Paul Gallagher

May 3, 2009

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.

Karlene Hofmann-Bolton

April 20, 2009

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!

Carol Cassidy

April 18, 2009

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,

Dick Kikuchi

April 17, 2009

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.

Nancy Teague

April 16, 2009

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.

Ken Lechner

April 15, 2009

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.

Sue Snow

April 15, 2009

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.

Amy Teague

April 15, 2009

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.'

Terri Knowles

April 14, 2009

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.

Rod Goldfinch

April 14, 2009

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.

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Not sure what to say?

May 3, 2009

Paul Gallagher posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2009

Karlene Hofmann-Bolton posted to the memorial.

April 18, 2009

Carol Cassidy posted to the memorial.