Thomas C. Grieco

Thomas Canian Grieco, went suddenly to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 6th. He was born on September 25, 1952 to Gerald and Kathryn Grieco in Chicago. When he was six years old, his family moved to Oak Park. He attended St. Giles for elementary school, St. John’s Military Academy in Watertown, WI and graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in 1971. He played football and lacrosse and worked in shops on cars and motorcycles while in high school, which turned into a life-long hobby of riding his motorcycle and tinkering with cars.

He attended Triton College and Southern Illinois University, studying psychology and sociology. During his college years, he worked as a waiter, which turned into his first career. He loved serving people and had an engaging energy and infectious smile. In fact, he met his wife, Roxanne (Rocky), while she was a restaurant patron at That Steak Joynt next to Second City. They married in 1984 and had two children, Lucas (Luke) and Lauren. He was also blessed with two granddaughters, Livy and Kenna.

In the late 70s and early 80s, with the help of his brother, Greg, he completely rehabbed a building in Chicago that has been in his family since 1910. He and Rocky lived there for five years, during which time their children were born. Then they moved to Park Ridge for 20 years where they raised their children. Tom was a soccer coach and belonged to Indian Guides/Princesses with his children. He was involved in men’s bible study through South Park Church for more than 30 years. Tom and Rocky eventually moved back to the building in 2012.

Tom had friends wherever he went. He was the owner of a window business for over 30 years. In that time, he employed his nieces, nephews and son, and had loyal, long-term employees. He enjoyed the business relationships he had with vendors and suppliers, as well as his clients.

People who knew him loved his happy-go-lucky attitude and ever-present smile.

He is survived by his wife Rocky, Luke, Lauren (Cameron Swanson), granddaughters Livy and Kenna Swanson; brothers-sisters-in-laws, many nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. Preceded in death by both parents and sister, Regina and her husband, Terry (Murphy), and brother, Greg.

Visitation Friday, October 16th from 4:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W. Lawrence, Norridge. Visitation Saturday, October 17 from 10 A.M. until time of service 11:00 A.M. Luncheon to follow. Please send condolences to the family at 310 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068

Donations may be made to South Park Church, Park Ridge, on his behalf.