Mrs. Margaret Rose (Ryan) Greco

DEERFIELD - Mrs. Margaret Rose (Ryan) Greco, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 25, 1926, Margaret was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Gobeil) Ryan. Raised and educated in St. Paul, she graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1944. She attended St. Benedict’s College and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a degree in Education. On June 29, 1957 she married Joseph A. Greco with whom she shared the joys of a 44-year union prior to his passing on November 18, 2001. Margaret held various teaching positions in Minnesota and Quantico, Virginia from 1949 to 1957. Her husband’s military career led her to reside in diverse locations including Maine, England, Florida, and Illinois. Upon Joseph’s retirement, the couple relocated to Utica. She then pursued graduate studies at SUNY Cortland earning her Master’s degree in 1974. Margaret obtained a teaching appointment at West Frankfort Elementary School, the position from which she retired in 1985. Her dedication to education was profound and it prevailed after her retirement when she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher with the Frankfort/Schuyler, Utica, New Hartford, and Catholic School systems. Teaching and reaching her students brought her a joy that remained with her long after her retirement. Every student who came into her classroom knew of her wisdom, compassion, encouragement. At home, she enjoyed gardening, arts & crafts, and interior decorating, always enhancing the beauty of her surroundings with the products of her talents and efforts. She was a wonderful mother and the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was an additional blessing. She cherished these children, and they loved her and remained involved in her life. She was a member of the New York State Teachers Association. A devout Catholic, she was a faithful parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Margaret is survived by her children and their loves, Mary Rose and Richard DiFiore, Joseph J. and Stephanie Greco, Anne and Anthony Lanza, and Joan, who was so dedicated in caring for her mom, and her husband Vincent Restive with whom she shared their home; her grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth DiFiore, Mark and Jennie DiFiore; Jack Ryan Greco; Alisha Ann Restive, and Dominic Restive; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Catherine, Charlotte, and Allison. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Gloria and Tom Yacono, and Joan Ryan. Also, several longtime teacher friends including Mary Ann, and Cynthia who would visit and hoot it up with Margaret. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Col. Jino J. D’Alessandro; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. John and Catherine Ryan; her in-laws, James Ryan, Theresa and Joe Basile, Ann and Louis Cuzzivoglio, and Jack and Ann Greco; and her nephew, Les Cuzzivoglio. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Naji El Khoury and Kerry Ruia, FNP who provided long and loving care to Margaret; to the members of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company for their constant support; Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Emergency Room and Allen Calder Wing 2nd floor staffs for their patience, information, and compassion; the kindness of Margaret’s home Health Aide, Rosalie, who was heaven sent and became part of the family. Also a special note of thanks to Eucharistic Minister Maureen for providing Holy Communion; Sister Sharon Whellahan for her pastoral guidance; and Fr. John Buehler who Margaret appreciated so much for his prayers and visits. The family will honor and commemorate Margaret’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Margaret’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Margaret’s honor may be made to the Historic Old St. John’s Faith Formation Program (Religious Education) or the Historic Old St. John’s Scholarship Fund; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mrs. Margaret Rose (Ryan) Greco

May 25, 1926 - February 20, 2018