Obituary of Anthony S. Greco

Anthony S. “Tony” Greco Sr, 88, of Pennsville, died while peacefully sleeping at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, March 3rd. Tony was born in Salem, living most of his life in the town he loved so much, Pennsville. He was the son of the late Peter and Sara (Palverento) Greco. Tony had many occupations, including work on the Wilson Line, GM, Mannington Mills and Salem Hospital. He retired from DuPont Chambers Works as an electrician after 26 years of service. Anthony proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955, fighting in the Korean War as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the battleship USS Wisconsin. His service earned him the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the United Nations Medal. While home on leave from the Navy, he often visited Riverview Beach Park. On one of those visits, he noticed a sweet, beautiful young lady working in one of the concessions, selling cigarettes. Although Tony didn’t smoke, he somehow found himself buying pack after pack of cigarettes! When the young lady mentioned that this little “Sailor Boy” sure smoked a lot, he shyly admitted he didn’t smoke at all, but just wanted a date. Those encounters lit a spark of love that lasted 70 years, including 68 years of marriage to that beautiful lady, Ethelmae “Did” Sooy. Tony, or “Pop” as he was affectionately known by so many, also served 40 years as a Pennsville Auxiliary Police Officer, and another 21 years as a crossing guard. Pop was loved by all who knew him, and that was most of Pennsville! He made time to chat with anyone he crossed paths with, and always had a kind word. He even had his own star on the pavement at the entrance to Riverview Park, an honor bestowed on him for working there directing traffic at so many Septemberfests. Tony constantly kept himself busy from sunup to sundown, whether working in the yard, the house, or otherwise puttering around. He could certainly outwork the rest of us, and all his chores were done with pride, precision and enjoyment. He also loved fixing things, which he often did with his trademark duct tape and superglue. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Ethelmae (Sooy) Greco, his four children, Vicki Stites (Paul), Valerie Shannon (Don), Vonnie Kite (Stan) and Anthony Jr, plus his brother Pete Greco. Also 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson, plus 1 great granddaughter due in June, and 1 great-great granddaughter due in May of 2022. In addition, Tony leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Anthony was predeceased by his brother Robert, 2 great grandchildren, Rashel Parten and Damon Stites, and his faithful pup Ozzy. Services will be held at Laughrey Funeral Home, 1 North Broadway Pennsville, on Thursday, March 10th, where friends may visit from 8 to 10 am, followed by a service at 10. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Tony’s name to Pennsville VFW Post 1952, 171 S. Broadway, Pennsville NJ 08070, or Salem County FOP Old Oak Lodge 6, 693 S. Broadway, Pennsville NJ 08070.