Obituary for Rudolph R. Greco
Rodolfo Ricardo Greco, known affectionately as Rudy, passed away on
March 22, 2023, after a long illness. He was born on March 5, 1927, in
South Philly, the son of Italian immigrants, and lived most of his life
in Pennsauken, NJ. Rudy was a beloved husband, father, interior
decorator and talented musician. He was a WWII Navy veteran serving his
country by entertaining troops in Okinawa as a trumpeter in the US Navy
Band.
Rudy is survived by his wife Anna Panella Greco, their two daughters,
Lana Restivo (and her husband Dr Carl Restivo), Janet Greco (and Lluc
Pallejà). He is also survived by his brother Louis Greco of
Philadelphia (and his wife Maria Greco).
Rudy was married to Anna for 75 years, a testament to the life-long love
they shared for one another.
Rudy was a true self-made man. He established and ran his own slipcover
and drapery business for over fifty years, and he took great pride in
his work which served the greater South Jersey and Philadelphia area. He
had a keen eye for design and worked alongside his wife Anna, with a keen
eye for detail.
He loved taking day trips to the Atlantic City casinos with his wife,
and with his brother Louis, who shared his love for sports betting and
the ponies. Rudy was a colorful character, known for his distinct
exclamations like "cockamamie", "hot damn" and "may the Lord take a
likin' to ya." He was picking up his winnings on the day the Garden
State Park burned down.
Music was a huge part of Rudy's life, as a trumpeter playing music that
everyone wanted to dance to.
Rudy loved big band music and the swing bands of the forties, such as
Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller. His cousin was the celebrated
Rat Pack member Buddy Greco, with whom he had the opportunity to go on
tour. However, Rudy chose to stay home with Anna to raise their family.
Between 1948-1950, he had a residency with the house band of Larry
Fotine, at a ballroom/skating rink in Upper Darby, PA. He played with
Tony Pastor and the Clooney Sisters, Rosemarie and Betty. In the 1950s
he played ballrooms in Maryland, and in Atlantic City at Steel Pier with
the Larry Fotine Orchestra (who he also recorded with) and Vaughn Monroe.
Rudy also played with the Ice Follies under Mr. Rudolph, the conductor,
and with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. He also played with celebrated
Canadian trumpeter Maynard Ferguson at the Ivystone Inn in Pennsauken, NJ.
With Eddie Shaw’s band, his long-time friend, he played the country clubs
and ballroom circuit in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area, such as the
Hightstown Ballroom, Paso Doble, Almonesson Ballroom and Cinelli's. When
Eddie passed, Rudy took over and renamed the new band The Rudy Greco
Orchestra.
Rudy was an enthusiastic card player. He loved playing Uno and Pinochle
with his family and friends. He also built several of his own homes, all
in Pennsauken, NJ, and tended an impressive garden which he shared with
his neighbors.
Rudy is also survived by three grandchildren, Carl Restivo III (&
Jennika), Dr. Carin Got (& Dr. Christopher Got), Diana Kucko, and eight
grandchildren Brighton, Lachlan, Thayer, Cohen, Hollyn, Vera, Cameron
and Shirley in whose lives he had a tremendous influence.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers, family members,
friends and neighbors who went beyond the call of duty to help with
shopping, appointments, transport and many other chores. We will be
endlessly grateful for all the support and love.
As per his wishes Rudy was cremated on 23 March 2023 at Rosehill
Crematory. There will be no ceremony, but friends and family will be
invited to a forthcoming celebratory event. The family requests that
any donations be made to the Samaritan Center, which provided
outstanding care for Rudy during his illness. https://samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/#_
Rest in peace, Rudy. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved
you. "May the Lord take a likin' to ya."
All services were by the Aloia Funeral Home/Attentive Cremation Service, 180 Harrison Avenue, Garfield, New Jersey 07026 (973-340-7077). Condolences visit www.aloiafuneral.com
March 22, 2023, after a long illness. He was born on March 5, 1927, in
South Philly, the son of Italian immigrants, and lived most of his life
in Pennsauken, NJ. Rudy was a beloved husband, father, interior
decorator and talented musician. He was a WWII Navy veteran serving his
country by entertaining troops in Okinawa as a trumpeter in the US Navy
Band.
Rudy is survived by his wife Anna Panella Greco, their two daughters,
Lana Restivo (and her husband Dr Carl Restivo), Janet Greco (and Lluc
Pallejà). He is also survived by his brother Louis Greco of
Philadelphia (and his wife Maria Greco).
Rudy was married to Anna for 75 years, a testament to the life-long love
they shared for one another.
Rudy was a true self-made man. He established and ran his own slipcover
and drapery business for over fifty years, and he took great pride in
his work which served the greater South Jersey and Philadelphia area. He
had a keen eye for design and worked alongside his wife Anna, with a keen
eye for detail.
He loved taking day trips to the Atlantic City casinos with his wife,
and with his brother Louis, who shared his love for sports betting and
the ponies. Rudy was a colorful character, known for his distinct
exclamations like "cockamamie", "hot damn" and "may the Lord take a
likin' to ya." He was picking up his winnings on the day the Garden
State Park burned down.
Music was a huge part of Rudy's life, as a trumpeter playing music that
everyone wanted to dance to.
Rudy loved big band music and the swing bands of the forties, such as
Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller. His cousin was the celebrated
Rat Pack member Buddy Greco, with whom he had the opportunity to go on
tour. However, Rudy chose to stay home with Anna to raise their family.
Between 1948-1950, he had a residency with the house band of Larry
Fotine, at a ballroom/skating rink in Upper Darby, PA. He played with
Tony Pastor and the Clooney Sisters, Rosemarie and Betty. In the 1950s
he played ballrooms in Maryland, and in Atlantic City at Steel Pier with
the Larry Fotine Orchestra (who he also recorded with) and Vaughn Monroe.
Rudy also played with the Ice Follies under Mr. Rudolph, the conductor,
and with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. He also played with celebrated
Canadian trumpeter Maynard Ferguson at the Ivystone Inn in Pennsauken, NJ.
With Eddie Shaw’s band, his long-time friend, he played the country clubs
and ballroom circuit in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area, such as the
Hightstown Ballroom, Paso Doble, Almonesson Ballroom and Cinelli's. When
Eddie passed, Rudy took over and renamed the new band The Rudy Greco
Orchestra.
Rudy was an enthusiastic card player. He loved playing Uno and Pinochle
with his family and friends. He also built several of his own homes, all
in Pennsauken, NJ, and tended an impressive garden which he shared with
his neighbors.
Rudy is also survived by three grandchildren, Carl Restivo III (&
Jennika), Dr. Carin Got (& Dr. Christopher Got), Diana Kucko, and eight
grandchildren Brighton, Lachlan, Thayer, Cohen, Hollyn, Vera, Cameron
and Shirley in whose lives he had a tremendous influence.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers, family members,
friends and neighbors who went beyond the call of duty to help with
shopping, appointments, transport and many other chores. We will be
endlessly grateful for all the support and love.
As per his wishes Rudy was cremated on 23 March 2023 at Rosehill
Crematory. There will be no ceremony, but friends and family will be
invited to a forthcoming celebratory event. The family requests that
any donations be made to the Samaritan Center, which provided
outstanding care for Rudy during his illness. https://samaritannj.org/giving/donate-now/#_
Rest in peace, Rudy. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved
you. "May the Lord take a likin' to ya."
All services were by the Aloia Funeral Home/Attentive Cremation Service, 180 Harrison Avenue, Garfield, New Jersey 07026 (973-340-7077). Condolences visit www.aloiafuneral.com