Aug 13, 2021

Ralph J. “Rattler” Greco, of Carroll Township, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Born September 16, 1930, in Donora, he was a son of the late Antonio and Amelia Settino Greco.

Mr. Greco graduated from Donora High School. After graduating, he worked at the U.S. Steel Zinc Works and worked at several U.S. Steel companies until his retirement in 1985.

In 1951, Ralph was drafted into Company C, 3rd U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War. He received the following medals: Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Services Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the National Defense Services Medal. Mr. Greco returned to the U.S. in 1952 and spent the remainder of his time in the Army Reserve.

On June 10, 1961, he married the love of his life, Dorthea J. Tustin Greco. They were inseparable until her passing May 30, 2008. Together they raised three children, Perri Greco and Anthony (Christine) Greco, both of Carroll Township, and Jill (Rob) Rodino of Donora.

Ralph had a very sharp and witty personality. You really had to know him well to understand his unique sense of humor. He enjoyed walking, gardening, reading and playing bocce. He was very involved with his grandchildren when they were younger and would attend all of their activities.

He is survived by five grandchildren, Dominic (Jessica) Greco, Antonio (Samantha) Greco, Robby (Katherine) Rodino, Nicole Greco, Chelsea (Stephen) Pruitt, and very special granddaughter, who is predeceased, Kaitlyn Leigh Greco in 2015. In addition, Mr. Greco is survived by six great-grandchildren, Ava, Maria, Kaitlyn Amelia and Sebastian Greco, RJ and Logan Rodino, and one on the way, baby boy Greco, who is expected in December 2021. Also surviving are sisters Dorothy Rudenic, Shirley Watroba, Judy (Donald) Mitchell and Anita (Bob) Lilley.

Deceased is a sister, Josephine Greco Arguello; and a brother, Anthony R. Greco.

“My Dad said he would hope someone would say something nice after his passing. I will unequivocally state that my dad has always been and has been there for me through the darkest days of my life. My Dad was old school and did not always express his affection, but you knew he loved you by his actions. I am a better person for being his daughter. I had the pleasure of caring for him the last six years. We talked so much about his young life, in the Army, and meeting our mother. These memories will last my lifetime. I love you Daddy, and I take comfort that you are with Mommy, and my precious Kaitlyn Leigh. Until we are all reunited again, I will cherish the time we spent together.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Carroll Township / Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until noon, the time of a blessing service, Saturday, August 14. Interment, with full military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad, will follow at Monongahela Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Kaitlyn Leigh Greco Memorial Scholarship, California University of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 668, California, PA 15419. Please make your checks payable to the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania, and please place the name Kaitlyn Leigh Greco in the memo line.

To be socially responsible during this time of the increase in COVID-19 cases due to the new variants, we will continue to require guests to obey social distancing guidelines and personal protection guidelines, which include masks within the funeral home. Thank you.

To share a condolence with the family, visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.