Ralph A. Greco

Ralph Anthony Greco, Jr., 77, of Nutley, sadly passed away on the evening of Sunday,
December 21, 2025. Born on November 4, 1948, in Newark, NJ, Ralph was the son of the late
Ralph and Rose Marie (Molinaro) Greco. He worked as a contractor for most of his life, most
recently for DiCara/Rubino Architects in Parsippany and retired as of 2024. Ralph lived a life
defined by hard work, deep loyalty, laughter, and an unmistakable personality that left a mark
wherever he went.
At just 16 years old, Ralph met the love of his life and his best friend, Connie, at the Holy Family
Bazaar. That chance meeting began a relationship that lasted 55 years of marriage, built on love
and family. Together, Ralph and Connie raised six children and created a home filled with
warmth, humor, and togetherness. Through dedication and sacrifice, they proudly sent all six
children through college, a great accomplishment for any family.
Ralph spent his entire working life in the construction industry, helping to quite literally build
the community he loved. Early on, he formed his own general contracting business, Ralph
Greco & Sons, whose work can be found throughout the area, including parts of the Holy
Family Church, the Nutley ShopRite extension, multiple schools and hospitals, the Montclair
Bay Street Fire Station, and hundreds of other projects. Most meaningful to him was the home
he built with his own hands-the place where he and Connie raised their family and hosted
countless gatherings.
For 28 years, Ralph volunteered his time coaching junior football in Nutley, a game and program
he deeply loved. Generations of players-many now between the ages of 43 and 71-were
coached, mentored, or influenced by him in some way or another, including his own children. It
wasn't uncommon for a stranger to stop him on the street and recall a specific play or score
from a game decades earlier. Ralph always remembered instantly, usually with a smile, a story,
and often his signature big cigar. To many, he wasn't just a coach-he was a mentor, a role
model, and a steady, guiding presence. Even after his coaching years ended, Ralph remained a
devoted supporter of youth and Nutley High School football, watching faithfully from the stands
and offering his insights with the same care and passion he always brought to the game-one of
the true joys of his life.
Ralph was the center of gravity in any room. He loved a good (and sometimes dirty) joke,
thrived on attention, and had a way of making people feel instantly comfortable. Family
gatherings were the heart of his life, a tradition he carried from his childhood in Belleville
through his years in Nutley, where he spent most of his life.
When he wasn't working, coaching, or watching football and other sports, Ralph could be found
on the golf course. A proud member and former president of Forest Hill Field Club for more than
35 years, he loved the game as much as the people he played it with. If he wasn't out playing a
round with friends or his wife and family, he was encouraging someone else to take up the
game or offering advice to help them improve. Ralph was always looking for ways to help
people do better-whether it was a golf tip, a piece of life advice, or wisdom drawn from
experience.
A true creature of habit, Ralph found comfort in life's simple rituals-a Saturday steak, a Weller,
Marvis and Frenchie with gravy from Rutt's, and bacon and eggs before settling in to watch the
Giants on Sunday. No matter the schedule, location, or time of year, his devoted wife Connie
somehow made sure those traditions always happened. Above all else, Ralph loved his family
and his friends. He was full of life, quick with a story, and generous with his time and heart. His
laughter, guidance, and larger-than-life presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ralph leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unforgettable memories. He will be dearly
missed and forever remembered.
Ralph is survived by his wife Concetta (Carrione) Greco, his children Ralph S. Greco (Sarah
Boyd), Christy Van Saders (Ron), Michael Greco (Brandi), Anthony Greco (Andrea Alfaro),
Daniel Greco (Cindy), and Lauren Greco, his siblings Gloria Smith, Dr. Steven Greco, Thomas
Greco, eight grandchildren, Lucas Ralph Greco, Anthony Greco, Vivianna Greco, Christian Van
Saders, Catalina Greco, Ryan Van Saders, Francesca and Isabella Greco, and his best friend,
his husky Yoshi. Ralph was predeceased by his sister Diane Greco Sajle whom he loved
dearly.
Viewing services will take place at S.W. Brown and Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre St., Nutley,
NJ on Sunday December 28th from 1pm-5pm. In place of a traditional repass, the family will be
hosting a celebration of Ralph's life immediately after at the Nutley Elks – 242 Chestnut St,
Nutley, NJ 07110. The funeral service will be Monday December 29th beginning at 10:30am at
S.W. Brown and Son. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Nutley
Junior Raiders Booster Club Football. Donations can be sent to, NJRBC c/o Holly Jasnowitz
472 Prospect Street, Nutley, NJ 07110 or sent via Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/NJR