John P. Greco

John P. Greco
John Paul Greco, 92, of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on May 14, 2025 after a brief illness. John was a lifelong resident of Middletown, born on June 18, 1932. He was one of eleven siblings born to Sebastian and Rosa Greco. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951, John served his country in Korea and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1960. John was employed for 50 years at the George G. Whitmore Furniture Company as a master carpenter and journeyman, where he built custom wood furniture and restored antiques. He was known for his decorative turnings, carvings, reproduction and original designs. His custom furniture pieces are works of art and enjoyed by many, including Scot Haney and the late Katharine Hepburn. His work was his hobby, and his intricate designs are a treasure to anyone who has one of his pieces. John was a founding father and member of the Middletown High School Booster Club in 1985. He cooked and served in the school's athletic concession stand for more than 30 years, retiring from this volunteer position when he was 88 years old. The Booster Club grants $7,300 in scholarships each year to graduating seniors. He was well known for the peppers from his garden, which he roasted with tomato sauce and regularly brought to the concession stand as a hot dog condiment. His recipe became known as the "Greco Dog," and, in 1999, the Middletown High School concession stand was named after him: "Greco's Grill at the Dragons' Den." John enjoyed attending Middletown High School's and Xavier/Mercy High School sports games and theater productions, especially when he was there to watch one of his 3 grandchildren. He was well respected among students, parents, and athletes who touched his life. John was generous in anonymity. Student athletes in need of equipment – a ball, a glove, or cleats – often wondered how these items would mysteriously arrive in their locker room. On September 18, 1999, John Greco Day was established in Middletown. In 2011, he was named #1 Fan of Middletown High School Softball. In 2013, the Booster Club named a $1,000 scholarship in his honor, gifted to a student who has shown efforts in volunteering. In 2015, a second John Greco Day was established in Middletown. John received a service award for his volunteer work as a founding father, server, and chef for the Booster Club from 1985-2015. In 2016, John received the Good Sport Award from the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance. In his free time, he could often be found attending a game at Palmer Field or at a local Little League field. He enjoyed watching his grandson, Jacob, from tee ball through high school football. His hobbies also included gardening and cooking. In 2023, John was inducted into the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame. He will always be remembered for his humble, good nature. John is survived by his sons, Michael and Paul Greco, both of Middletown, Michael's son Douglas and his significant other Norma Jean Carlson, Paul's wife Michele and their two children Amanda and Jacob Greco, his 98-year-old brother, Joseph Greco, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Church located at 10 Elm Street in Middletown, CT on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, beginning with visitation and calling hours beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial Services thereafter will take place at Calvary Cemetery located at 323 Bow Lane Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Middletown High School Athletic Department to be set aside for the provision of equipment for athletes in need. Checks can be made payable to MHS Booster Club- Memo: John Greco's Athletic Fund and mailed to The MHS Booster Club, 200 La Rosa Lane, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.