Vito Peter Greco

Vito Peter Greco, who earned both widespread recognition as a research physicist and his family's appreciation as a quiet and unflappable father of seven vibrant daughters, died peacefully Saturday, December 26, 2015, at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, New York. He was 91.

Peter Greco was born in Amsterdam on April 12, 1924, one of nine children of Anthony and Caroline Cheritano Greco. He was raised in a tight-knit family with more warmth than wealth in a predominantly Italian-American Amsterdam neighborhood known as the West End.

As a student in Amsterdam public schools, he nurtured a love of art and drawing and a love of visualizing new devices to ease the work of everyday life. He graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School.

At the age of 17, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy on New Year's Eve of 1942. He served more than three years of active combat duty that included kamikaze attacks on his ship and many hours in the water after his ship was sunk and many of his crewmates had perished.

When he was honorably discharged as a torpedoman's mate second class in February 1946,his discharge papersindicated an interest in going to art school to become a commercial artist or pursue a career in journalism. He eventually chose a different path, earning a bachelor's degree in physics at Siena College and then a master's degree in physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – all while working and supporting a growing family.

He worked for the better part of four decades as a researchphysicist specializing in metallurgy for the federal government at the Watervliet Arsenal. He published the results of his efforts in peer-reviewed journals and often presented research results at professional conferences.He was a member of the American Electroplater Society. He was also a member of St. Agnello's Club in Amsterdam.

After he retired, he worked as a real-estate appraiser, and continued active pursuit of his lifelong hobbies: golf, woodworking, and, especially, poker, a lifelong avocation that he pursued with enough skill to prompt him not to disclose widely the extent of his winnings.

As he moved through his successful career, he and his wife, the former Eileen Farrell, raised seven smart and boisterous daughters. Peter happily delegated disciplinarian duties to Eileen, nurturing his daughters with a calm and loving demeanor that never varied no matter what tumult erupted. This gift was seen most regularly after dinner when no amount of hollering or hilarity in the kitchen could keep him from dozing peacefully a few yards away in a recliner.

As the only member of his immediate family to attend college, Peter also became a mentor and professional coach to nieces, nephews, and others who regularly sought his counsel on career matters.

Peter was a former parishioner of the former St. Michael’s Church and, most recently, of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam.

Peter is survived by six daughters: Linda (Danny) Martuscello of Marlboro, NY; Dr. Kathleen (Joe) Clark of Lincoln, MA; Mary Greco of Auburndale, MA; Shelly (Mark) Reilly of Alexandria, VA; Margaret (Keith) Greco of Marlboro, NY; and Carol Champitto of Rensselaer, NY;12 grandchildren: Danielle and Gina Martuscello, Emma and Anna Clark, James, Nicole, and Robert Lew, Phillip Reilly,Jack, Ava, Lindsey, and Ashley Champitto; one sister, Theresa (Joe) Marnell of Amsterdam, NY. Many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Peter was predeceased by his wife, Eileen Farrell Greco, his daughter Patricia Greco, his sisters, Sophie Surrento and Concetta Messineo, and his brother, Frank Greco.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Arrangements are by the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Memorial contributions in Peter's name may be made to St. Mary's Healthcare, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

To send online condolences to the family, go to www.rileymortuaryinc.com.

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