Obituary for Rev. Robert Greco
REVEREND ROBERT J. GRECO, O. CARM.
Born on May 28, 1931 in West Orange, New Jersey
Professed First Vows in the Order of Carmelites on September 8, 1950
Professed Solemn Vows on September 12, 1953
Ordained to the Priesthood on June 4, 1955
Died on September 30, 2014
Reverend Robert J. Greco, O.Carm., a member of the Order of Carmelites of the North American Province of St. Elias, died in Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, New York on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.
Father Robert was born in West Orange, New Jersey on May 28, 1931 to Salvatore and Genevieve (Krott) Greco. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Genevieve and his brother, Joseph. He is survived by four sisters: Angela, Martha, Alberta and Mary Anne and five brothers: Russell (Fr. Evan Greco, O.F.M.), Loren, John, William (Fr. Raymond Greco, O.S.B.) and Richard. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He received his habit in the Order of Carmelites, North American Province of Saint Elias in September 1949, when he entered the Carmelite Novitiate in Auburn, New York. At the conclusion of his Novitiate year he professed First Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity on September 8, 1950 and on September 12, 1953 he professed Solemn Vows, also in Auburn, New York. On June 4, 1955 Father Robert was ordained to the priesthood in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newark, New Jersey by His Excellency, Archbishop Thomas A. Boland, S.T.D., LL.D, the Second Archbishop of Newark.
Father Robert graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure in Olean, New York in 1952. He then earned his M.S. in Chemistry & Physics in 1963 from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
From 1955-1964 Father Robert taught Math & Science at Mt. Carmel H.S., Auburn, New York, where he also served as Vice-Principal. Father Robert also taught Math & Science at St. Albert’s Junior Seminary in Middletown, New York from 1964-1967, during which time he also served as Assistant Provincial.
From 1967 to 1988 Father Greco served his country with honor and distinction as a U.S. Navy Chaplain worldwide, rising to the rank of Commander. He served overseas in such places as Vietnam, Japan and Sicily, as well as stateside in California, Washington and Connecticut. During his military career, Father Greco was the proud recipient of the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Insignia and four stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”; Combat Action Ribbon; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on January 31, 1988.
Father Robert was a proud member of Chapter 140 of the Vietnam Veterans of America as well as American Legion Post 151. He was also the Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 4.
From 1988 to 1998, Father Robert ministered as Chaplain at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Upon his retirement in 1998, he moved to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Priory in Middletown, New York and continued to volunteer at Bellevue Hospital for a few years thereafter.
A dedicated and hard-working Carmelite, Father Robert J. Greco, O.Carm. was a professed member of the Carmelite Order for 64 years and a priest for 59 years. He would have celebrated his 65th Jubilee of profession on September 8, 2015. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2014 with Evening Prayer at 8:00 PM at
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue,Middletown, New York 10940 .
A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, October 3, 2014 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue
Middletown, New York 10940 . INTERMENT will follow in Carmelite Cemetery at St. Albert’s, Middletown, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Reverend Robert J. Greco, O.Carm.’s memory may be made to the Carmelite Education Fund, and mailed to: P.O. Box 868, Carmelite Drive, Middletown, New York 10940.
VISITATION
Thursday, October 2, 2014
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Evening Prayer at 8:00 PM
at
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
90 Euclid Avenue
Middletown, New York 10940
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, October 3, 2014
11:00AM
at
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
90 Euclid Avenue
Middletown, New York 10940
INTERMENT
Immediately following in Carmelite Cemetery at St. Albert’s, Middletown, New York
In lieu of flowers, donations in Reverend Robert J. Greco, O.Carm.’s memory may be made to the Carmelite Education Fund, and mailed to: P.O. Box 868, Carmelite Drive, Middletown, New York 10940.
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