Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Steve Greco, Jr.

September 2, 1946 - April 25, 2023
Portage, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Thursday, June 8, 2023
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Where food, drinks, and stories will be shared.

Driving Directions

Time of Sharing

Thursday, June 8, 2023
7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

The Air Zoo
6151 Portage Rd
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 382-6555
Web Site

CorsoCare
950 Corporate Office Dr #150
Milford, MI 48381
(248) 438-8535
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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With a quick wit and a feisty spirit, Steve Greco, Jr. lived a life rich in family and friends. A man who lived each moment to the fullest, Steve welcomed each day as an adventure to be had. He could fix anything and had an undeniable need for speed. Whether attending a car show, working on a repair, or sharing a good meal with loved ones, Steve could make conversation with anyone, had great perspectives, and was often the source of a good laugh. Even in the face of life's greatest challenges, Steve found a way to persevere and connect with others. A loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Steve was revered and cherished by those who were lucky to know him.

The year Steve was born, 1946, found people around the world expecting a better life than before the war years and the Great Depression. As the Baby Boomer years began, American prosperity grew like no time in our history. Hope sprang eternal. The first programmable electronic computer was unveiled, and Tupperware was first introduced to U.S. consumers. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the home of Steve Sr. and Jennie (Faraone) Greco who welcomed their son, Steve Jr., to their family on September 2, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Steve’s early years were rooted in family values and hard work. He learned to drive a truck at a very early age to help on his grandparents' farms. Steve graduated from Watervliet High School where he played football and then attended Lake Michigan College before serving in the Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973.

After working for a time at Whirlpool, Steve worked for Dayco Sheet Metal, a sheet metal fabricating company. In 1987, Steve purchased his division and owned and operated Greco Manufacturing, Inc. until he retired in 1998. His company became known for designing and producing specialty sheet metal products for the RV, airline, and pharmaceutical industries. He knew how to fix just about anything and enjoyed spending hours in his heated garage working on his latest project. He especially enjoyed helping his friends repair their cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.

Though divorced, Steve was grateful for his time with his wife, Susan (Willming) Greco and cherished the greatest gift of their two children, Steve III and Karla. He enjoyed fatherhood and especially treasured sharing his passions with his kids. Karla loved being in the garage with her dad when she was young, watching him wrench on his cars motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Steve III and Karla often spent their weekends home from college with Steve in St. Joseph on his boat, Overdrawn. When he became a grandfather, his heart filled with joy and pride. He loved his grandkids deeply and enjoyed witnessing their lives. He and Lydia shared an especially close relationship as spent much time with her while she was growing up. Hearing stories about Lydia, Hayden, and Hudson’s successes and attending their special events proved his heart’s greatest delight.

Steve had many interests. His greatest passion was going fast, especially in classic cars. He took meticulous care of his 1957 Chevy Nova and was especially proud of the plaque he won at the Naples Car Show. He earned his pilot’s license, owned two airplanes, and enjoyed traveling, taking a few cruises and an epic trip to Italy. He enjoyed listening to the classic songs of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, especially those recorded by George Benson and Lou Rawls. Throughout his house, he proudly displayed the model airplanes he built, and he enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was his favorite driver. Bold Restaurant was his favorite place for a nice dinner, good cocktails, and great conversations with friends and family.

While life feels significantly different in the absence of Steve’s indomitable spirit and steadfast companionship, we find so much comfort in our many treasured memories. We also find comfort in the honor of carrying Steve’s legacy forward. Each time we enjoy a day at the lake, attend a car show, share a good meal and laugh, share a friendly conversation, or confidently master a challenging project we celebrate the many ways Steve blessed our lives. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Steve Greco Jr., of Portage, age 76, died on April 25, 2023. Steve was born September 2, 1946, in Benton Harbor to Steve Sr. and Jennie (Faraone) Greco, who precede him in death along with his brother, Richard Greco. Surviving are his children: Steve Greco III and Karla (Robert) Campbell; grandchildren: Lydia Dorscht, Hayden, and Hudson Campbell; sibling: Gloria (Joseph) Spoerl; his nieces: Lindsay Spoerl and Abby (Derek) Fohl; and nephews Richard and Matthew (Melissa) Greco. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday (JUNE 8) from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visit Steve’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to CorsoCare hospice or The Air Zoo.

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