Viola Greco

Viola Greco (née Dominianni), 97, of Pompton Plains, passed away Monday Jan 5, 2026. She was born in Sant’Andrea Apostolo Dell Ionio in Calabria, Italy to Francesco and Annamaria Dominianni. Her father immigrated first to the US to work and save money to send for his family. In 1935 Viola and her mother and brother Bruno arrived in Ellis Island where Viola saw her father for the first time. The family first settled in Paterson and then moved to Woodland Park. Viola graduated from Passaic Valley HS. Her very first job was at the National Malting Co in Paterson.

She soon met her husband Arthur when he gave Viola and her friends a ride in his new car. Arthur and Viola married in 1952 while Arthur was serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Together they raised their 3 children in Clifton.

One day Viola was called to Sacred Heart Church when her son was caught throwing snow balls at cars while dressed in his altar boy clothes. She left that day getting hired as secretary and later administrative assistant at Sacred Heart Church. Viola was known for her dedication, and strong work ethic. She worked at Sacred Heart for 39 years retiring at the age of 79. Viola was a devout Catholic who attended mass every Sunday.

After her retirement, Viola and Arthur moved to Cedar Crest where they enjoyed their later years. Viola quickly became quite popular because she always took the time to stop and chat with everyone she saw. She was a big fan of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. She loved vacationing in Maine and spending time at the Jersey Shore. Every Italian mother has their specialty and Viola’s was her lasagna. The first course at every holiday was lasagna, even at Thanksgiving. Her meatballs, artichokes, rice patties and Christmas cookies were family favorites. No one ever left her house without being well fed.

She loved to garden and grow her tomatoes and basil. Family was most important to Viola. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always available for babysitting, attending their birthday parties, sporting events, graduations and weddings.

Viola lived a life defined by love, faith and family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the friendships she cherished and the countless meals she lovingly prepared. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Viola was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Arthur Greco and her brother Bruno. She is survived by her children, Claire (Salah), Richard (Leslie) and Joanne (Manny). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Shaun, Dean (Miranda), Derek (Andrea), Richie (Tee), Andrew, Alex, Andrea (Matt) and Jessica. She loved dearly her 3 great grandchildren. 

Family and friends may visit on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Marrocco Memorial Chapel, located at 470 Colfax Avenue, Clifton, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, departing the funeral home at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Clifton. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Viola’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org