Obituary: William Greco

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William (Bill) J. Greco, 94, formerly of Riverside and Boca Raton, Fla. entered into eternal rest on Feb. 28, 2018, three years to the day of the passing of his beloved wife, Helen.

Born in Rose, Italy, on Jan. 18, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph P. Greco, Sr., and Angelina Greco. He was raised in Riverside where he attended Greenwich public schools, graduating from Greenwich High School, in 1943.

During WW II, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Upon his return, he became a well-known fixture at the Riverside Post Office for the next 36 years. He was known by many in town for his passion for music and entertainment. Starting with the St. Catherine “Capers” and CYO to the formation of his band, “The Rhythm Kings,” he eventually opened his own nightclub in Riverside, the first of its kind, EL GRECO’S HIDEOUT at The New Englander which is now The J House.

Bill went on to have an illustrious career in music opening for such notables as Jimmy Durante, Buddy Hackett and Martha Raye, at the famous Camelback Inn, in Scottsdale, Ariz. And, he brought his Big Band sound and the songs of the era to nightclubs in New York City as well as to  our own Riverside Yacht Club and Belle Haven Club.

It was during this time he met the love of his life, Helen. They would spend the next 56 years together. Bill and Helen were a team in everything they did. A true love story, they were blessed with an unwavering devotion to one another that was truly unique and very admirable. They adored each other with Helen asking her stock question, “Bill, are you with me?” and Bill always saying, “She is the Gal for me!” They eventually retired to Boca Raton for the next 30+ years where Bill continued a successful singing career and led his band BG Music, working in radio, television and playing with the Pompano Pops and performing with the remaining Ziegfeld Follies. Music and performance was what he loved, and it gave him great joy throughout his life.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, in 2015 and his brother Joseph (Doc) P. Greco, Jr. He leaves behind his beloved nephew, Joseph P. Greco III and his wife, Cheryl, of Pompano Beach, Fla., as well as: niece Mary-Jean (Greco) Williamson and husband, Kirk of Riverside; great niece and nephew, Katherine Williamson of Denver, Col. and J. Patrick Williamson of Riverside. Bill was loved by everyone and his exuberant personality will be missed by all.

The Greco/Williamson family extends their heartfelt appreciation to friends and family at The River House-GADC and the staff at Brighton Gardens of Stamford for their dedication, love and support.

A memorial service was held at St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, in Riverside, on March 8. All arrangements made by Leo P. Gallagher & Sons Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., Greenwich, CT. To leave an online condolence, please visit Leopgallaghergreenwich.com

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