Anthony Greco

Anthony Greco, 88, entrepreneur, candy maker, hotelier, philanthropist, on January 3, 2011. Born in East Boston, MA in 1922, Anthony was the oldest of five children to Cosmo and Rosa (Bonsinalli) Greco. The family traveled back to Italy after a short stay in the United States and, as a teenager, Anthony enlisted in the Italian Navy at the outbreak of WWII. The Navy Destroyer he served on saw more than its share of action and Mr. Greco was injured in the line of duty. He served with honor until his ship was captured by allied forces and he spent the rest of the war in a detention facility in North Africa.

The family made its way back to the U.S. after the war where Anthony met and married Maria, his wife of 60 years. They lived in the sanctuary of Boston’s North End for all their lives. Mr. Greco was employed by the world famous Schraffts Chocolates where over many decades he served as “Master Candy Maker.” In the early 1960’s he developed and produced his own line of gourmet candies, securing a partnership with both Jordan Marsh and The Stop&Shop Co.

Anthony Greco was a lover of great music, with a dedication to “the standards” and Neapolitan love songs. Being blessed with a great voice, he had seriously considered a professional career in music. His love for people and his predictably charming and charismatic personality made him popular and a favorite amongst his family, friends and colleagues. Mr. Greco’s love for quality service and products led to an illustrious career at The Fairmont Copley Plaza. As one of the longest tenured employees in its history, his career crossed many of the hotel’s departments and he was frequently sought after by regular guests, athletes and celebrities.

Though formal education eluded him, Mr. Greco recognized the important effect that learning and technology would have on our youth. He focused his attention on donating computers and technology to different high schools. He was recognized for his generosity and the “Anthony Greco Computer Lab” stands in his honor at the Jeremiah Burke School.

He leaves behind Maria, his wife of 60 years; his children Charles and Theresa Greco of Braintree, and Rosemarie and Norman Hanley of Weymouth; his brothers Guy of Malden, Vincent of Revere, and the late Sammy of New Jersey; his sisters Filomena Vellucci of New York and Anna DiBenedetto of the North End; seven grandchildren, Anthony Greco of Weymouth, Charles Greco of Braintree, Lisa Marie Greco, also of Braintree, Diane Hanley of Weymouth, Brian Hanley of Weymouth, Michael Hanley of Weymouth and Sarah Hanley, also of Weymouth; Five Great-Grandchildren, and many, many friends who will miss him deeply.