On January 25, 2023, Richard C. "Rich" Greco, Sr., 75, peacefully left the loving arms of his family to return home to the loving arms of the Lord. Born in Saugerties on August 14, 1947, he was the son of the late Michael "Sparky" Greco and Evelyn Swart Greco. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Dr. Michael Greco, Jr. as well as his grandparents, aunts and uncles. Fifty-three years ago on August 16, 1969, he married the love of his life, Colleen A. Buono, in St. Joseph's Church, Glasco.

Rich was a lifelong Saugerties resident. He graduated from St. Mary of the Snow School and from Saugerties High School Class of 1965. After earning his Associates Degree from SUNY Ulster, Rich became manager of The Flamingo Restaurant owned by his father, Sparky. Twenty-five years later, he went to work as a courier for the City of Kingston Lab and then Lab Corps. His final, and happiest, employment, however, was as a greeter for the Grant D. Morse Elementary School. Rich's larger than life personality and warm smile could light up a room. He had a way of making you feel special. During his more than forty-five years of working with the public, Rich made many lifetime friends.

In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by his beloved children: Melissa M.; Richard C. Greco, Jr. and his wife, Jamie; and Jason C. and his wife, Lindsey. Left with a legacy of wisdom and memories from their "Poppy" are his seven grandchildren: Nicholas and Jakob Natale; Peyton, Kelsey, and Brady Greco; and Lucy and Kellan Greco. Through two generations, this proud father and grandfather attended hundreds of academic, athletic, and artistic events from preschool to graduate school, enjoying every opportunity to be with his family. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, "adoptive grandchildren," cousins and friends.
Rich is a past member of The Saugerties Lions Club and served on the Board of Education for the Saugerties School District. After retirement, Rich attended daily Mass and then could be found on the golf course from April to November. A member of Rip Van Winkle Country Club for fifty-five years, golf was Rich's favorite pastime—one he taught all three of his children. Rich has been an avid Mets and Jets fan.
Rich was a special light in this world whose glow will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
A procession will form 10:15 Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. in Saugerties and then proceed to St. Mary of the Snow Church where an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated followed by burial in the Blue Mt. Cemetery. Friends may call Monday, January 30, 2023, from 3:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. Please offer your condolences for Rich and his family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com . The family suggests donations go to the Diaz Ambulance and Ulster County Hospice.

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