St. Joseph Funeral Home
http://www.sjfh.net/
SOUTH BEND-Joseph Anthony Greci, 91, of South Bend, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Thomas, and a grandson, Jonathan Opfer.
Joe is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dolores, and their sons Carl (Vivian), Paul (Dana) and John (Sandi), along with two grandsons, Mark and Timmy, and siblings Angela Messineo and Anthony Greci, both of Rome, New York, and Ernest Greci and Louis Greci, both of California, along with many nieces and nephews.
Born in Canastota, New York on February 4, 1927, he served in both the United States Navy and the Army, including service in Berlin, Germany as the Director of the United States Press Center. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York, and thereafter obtained a Master's Degree in Community Organization from Boston College.
Joe was a man of deep faith in God who maintained a strong but quiet and private prayer life that was reflected in the love he gave to his family and community through action. He was a member of St. Matthew Cathedral for 48 years, volunteering there in various capacities including work on capital campaigns and helping with the parish's nursing home ministry.
Joe spent his entire professional career with the United Way working in Pennsylvania and Connecticut before moving his family to South Bend, where he spent the last 19 years of his career with the United Way of Saint Joseph County, including serving as its Executive Director from 1976-1989. He was a strong, thoughtful and humble leader; upon his retirement, he was honored for his service by then South Bend and Mishawaka Mayors Joe Kernan and Bob Buetter with the "keys to the city," something he cherished but rarely spoke about.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed spending his time with Dolores, visiting his children, including taking trips with them to Alaska, British Columbia, the Caribbean and many other places. He was a large part of the lives of his grandchildren, being their beloved "Grandpa" and mentor.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staffs at Valley View Health Care Center, Great Lakes Caring Home Health and Hospice, Courtyard Healthcare Center, Beacon Home Care and Carol's Care LLC for the wonderful care provided to Joe.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 8th at the St. Pius X Chapel 52553 Fir Rd, Granger, IN 46530 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held immediately thereafter at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Pius Chapel with Msgr. William C. Schooler presiding. Interment with Military Honors will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery (24980 State Route 2 South Bend) immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of St. Joseph County.
Condolences may be made at www.sjfh.net
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South Bend Tribune
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