Larger than Life

by Thomas Greco, Publisher

My big brother Ralph passed away on December 21. I have neither the strength nor the mental stability to tell you about him right now. Hopefully when the grieving and the sadness lessens (if it ever does), I will be able to write the article he deserves. Until then, I will let others write this month’s article for me.

He was bigger than life and loved by everyone. I miss him…

“To the thousands who – through work, sport or friendship – now share these feelings as we no longer will have the pleasure of being with one who was truly a ‘man among men.’ From infancy through his teens, Ralphie was the natural leader of the pack, not just because of his athletic talent or unique (understatement) personality, but as he grew, behind that cigar was a golden heart and a true gentleman. Ralph was a giver in a world of takers, a genuinely kind guy in a time of bullies, but most of all, I loved and respected him even in our young years for his solid inner spirit. Most never saw this piece of him that I witnessed. Well-covered it was for sure, but this was, in fact, his most exceptional talent, the source of his ability to bequeath this amazing spirit to family, teams and individuals. Now, perhaps even at this time of sorrow, we can be absolutely certain Ralph’s immortal spirit will continue to live and inspire us in memory as a gift from God for the rest of our lives and beyond. Ralphie had a very, very good soul.”

“Our hearts are broken. A great coach and mentor. You always knew things were in order when Coach Greco was on the field. We will miss him.”

“RIP Ralph, Nutley’s best football coach.

“Many of my most vivid and enduring memories were of times I shared with Ralph. It was impossible to play a round of golf with him and not have a great time. I would always learn something about golf and laugh at so many of his comments and observations. Fond memories of many golf rounds, drinks and laughs and having the honor to coach football with Ralph as he coached our players to a number of championships. A dear friend who will be missed.”

“Ralph was my coach when I was in eighth grade playing midget football. Even though I had played line every year, my older brother had convinced me to try out for running back. I wasn’t particularly fast, and it showed in the one practice the coaches let me play running back. Next practice, Ralph told me to line up at right guard. I was mad, and every time we huddled up to call a play, I’d ask Ralph ‘what do I do as a right guard?’ After a few times of this, Ralph looked at me and told me to shut up and just go hit somebody. A simple but honest lesson that I’ve carried through life. When chaos or calamity surrounds you, keep it simple and move forward. We were undefeated that year, and I made the all-star team. Thank you Ralph.”

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Ralph’s passing, yet grateful for a life so beautifully lived. Reading this obituary so beautifully captured Ralph, the ‘larger-than-life personality, the laughter, the loyalty and the generosity of spirit.’ Ralph and I grew up together in Belleville, and the bond formed in those early years was the foundation of a lifelong friendship I will always cherish. Ralph was a good athlete, a loyal friend and a man of integrity, whose principles guided his life as a devoted family man, successful businessman, mentor and community steward. I am honored to hold our childhood memories close. Ralph’s legacy will never be forgotten.”

“So sorry for our loss; he was a great, giving guy, 100 percent Nutley. He will be missed.”

“My heart is breaking as I write this about my friend Ralph. Our friendship started the day we met at Forest Hill. His warmth, his smile, his sense of humor, his easygoing way…I was very blessed to call him my friend. His love for his family is as deep as any I have ever known and is an inspiration for all of us to be better fathers and husbands. Connie and his children are as warm and generous as both of them – a tribute to them as parents and role models. A truly legendary figure in the lives of anyone who knew him. No, they don’t make men like him very often.”

“Ralph had an important and positive role on me and so many teammates that is still talked about to this day. I regret not seeing Ralph more over the years since, but I consider it a privilege to have had him as a coach and mentor for four consecutive years.”

“A true Nutley legend…he will be missed by many.”

“Ralph and the Greco family are synonymous with junior football in Nutley. Ralph coached me in seventh and eighth grade, and eight grade was the very first year the Junior Raiders began traveling to play teams from different towns. Before that, there were just four teams made up of kids from Nutley. At the end of that season, Coach Greco had us line up and called out each player’s name along with our “future college.” When it was my turn, he yelled my name then, “linebacker from FU State!” Must have been my colorful language showing through. Rest easy, Coach. The Township of Nutley owes you eternal thanks for a lifetime dedicated to mentoring and shaping young men.”

“Ralph was a classic. His service to the youth of Nutley over several decades. His big personality. The big smile and the bigger cigar. He will be missed.”

“Nearly every memory I have of youth basketball and football involve Ralph Greco. He was an amazing man.”

“His larger than life personality lit up the room whenever he went. He always had me smiling and laughing.”

“In the name of Ralph Greco, one of the best human beings I have ever known.”

Want more? Check out the February 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!