Michele (Michael) Q Greco

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/