Philip GRECO

1947 - 2022

GRECO, Philip "Phil" age 74, of Seffner, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022, after a valiant battle against advanced Parkinson's Disease due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was born October 5, 1947, in New York, NY, the son of Stella and Paul Greco. Staff Sergeant Greco was a decorated Vietnam War veteran and an American patriot who continued to serve his country tirelessly after the war as a dedicated member of three branches of the Reserves and National Guard. He wore his uniform with honor and spoke of his life-altering time in Vietnam with deference. Phil willingly answered the call anytime he was summoned for duty. His allegiance to our country went further; after relocating from New York, he worked at the Veteran's Hospital in Tampa and then was a trusted and proud member of the United States Postal Service. Phil held his position at the post office with integrity and pride. Phil was more than a serviceman in the military; he was a man of service in life. Phil was always there for anyone in need. He was the type of person who, when you asked for directions, would write them down, draw a map and then stop whatever he was doing and take you there. He had a heart of gold and was resolute in his actions. Unquestionably, Phil's heart beat for his one true love, Kathy; the sparkle in his eyes gleamed for her alone. Their commitment to each other is apparent throughout the chapters of their love story. Beginning at Bankers Trust Company in New York City, growing through the birth of their son, Keith, their move to Florida and adventures around the world. Their 49 years of marriage are a tribute to their connection. Phil could be miles away and whisper Kathy's name confident that she would hear him, they were soulmates. In 1998, Phil was diagnosed with Parkinson's, a consequence of his time in Vietnam. Yet, Phil did not get angry or resentful; he accepted this challenge with dignity and grace. Together, he and Kathy had outsmarted the disease for 24 years. Our family owes so much gratitude to his caregiver, Mrs. Donna Freeman, who was with him and the family every step of the way throughout the years with her love and care. Phil was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 0138 and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He is survived by his adoring wife, Kathy; treasured son, Keith (Mary); mother-in-law, Mary Bowman; brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Gene (Ellen) Bowman; nieces, Erica and Jennifer (Joe); sister, Mary; and a host of extended family and friends that will miss his optimism, compassion, knowledge, humor, good nature and strength. The family will receive friends 7-9 pm, Sunday, August 14, at Blount and Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated 11 am, Monday, August 15, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, followed by interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Words of comfort may be expressed at blountcurryterraceoaks.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Michael J. Fox Foundation or Corpus Christi Catholic School.